Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico – Feminist collectives in Ciudad Juárez are urging the public to respect the women-only nature of their upcoming separatist march. Organizers have explicitly requested that men and individuals with different self-perceptions abstain from participating, clarifying that this is not an act of discrimination but a call to honor the designated space for women.
“For and By Women”: The Core Message of the March
An integral member of the Amazonas group highlighted that the march is unequivocally “for and by women.” She underscored the importance of consistency, citing instances in past non-separatist mobilizations where alleged aggressors reportedly participated. The collectives aim to ensure a safe and focused environment for women to express their concerns and demands.
Why a Women-Only Space?
The organizers articulate that the separatist approach, particularly for this event, is about creating a dedicated space where women can feel empowered and heard without external interference. They emphasize that this request for a women-only presence is not rooted in discrimination, transphobia, or hatred, but rather in the principle of respecting the unique purpose and timing of their march.
March Details: Route and Participants
The mobilization will proceed under the powerful slogan, “Fear Has Changed Sides.” The march is scheduled to commence at San Lorenzo Park, directly opposite the church. Participants will then proceed along Fray Junípero Street, continuing onto Av. Paseo Triunfo de la República, culminating at the Monument to the Mother in Borunda Park. At this significant location, the collectives will deliver their official statement and demands.
Contingent Structure: A Diverse Representation of Women
The march will feature a carefully structured contingent, ensuring representation for various groups of women within the community:
- Mothers of victims
- Mothers with children, neurodivergent individuals, elderly women, and women with disabilities
- Adolescents
- Migrant women
- General contingent (all women)
This inclusive structure aims to amplify the voices and experiences of a broad spectrum of women in Ciudad Juárez, uniting them in their collective pursuit of justice and change.
Broader Context: Women’s Rights and Safety in Ciudad Juárez
The call for this separatist march comes against a backdrop of ongoing concerns regarding women’s safety and rights in Ciudad Juárez. The city has historically faced challenges related to violence against women, and such mobilizations serve as crucial platforms for advocacy and demanding accountability. The focus on a women-only space underscores the specific vulnerabilities and experiences that women in the region continue to navigate.
Seeking Justice for Disappeared Women
The march also draws attention to the broader issue of disappeared women in Ciudad Juárez. The reference to mothers from Ciudad Juárez demanding justice in Campo Algodonero for disappeared women highlights a painful and unresolved aspect of the city’s history. The collectives aim to keep these issues at the forefront of public consciousness and pressure authorities for meaningful action.
The organizers remain steadfast in their commitment to a peaceful and impactful demonstration, emphasizing that the success of the march hinges on the respectful adherence to its women-only principle. The event is poised to be a significant moment for feminist activism in Ciudad Juárez, as women unite to demand recognition, safety, and justice.
