Mexico City, March 21, 2026 – A group of abolitionist women held a protest in the streets of Mexico City to denounce what they perceive as a policy seeking to eliminate the legal definition of ‘woman’ within the Mexican legal framework. The demonstration, though small in scale, was met with a significant police presence and lasted for nearly three hours.
Key Demands: Surrogacy, Definition of ‘Woman,’ and Structural Violence
The core of the protesters’ demands centered on several critical issues:
- Prohibition of Surrogacy: A primary concern was to prevent the regulation of commercial surrogacy, which they consider a form of exploitation of women’s bodies. They urged local congresses to legislate against it, equating the buying of babies to human trafficking, a practice they assert is prohibited by national and international laws.
- Rejection of Sex-Gender Confusion: The demonstrators also voiced strong opposition to what they termed a blurring of the lines between sex and gender. They argue that broadening the definition of ‘woman’ to include gender identity dilutes historically hard-won rights. They warned that allowing anyone to identify as a woman could grant access to spaces and rights specifically designated for women, leading to their displacement.
- Persistent Structural Violence: The protesters highlighted the ongoing and, in their view, escalating issue of structural violence. They pointed to an increase in sexual assaults, child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violence. They also cited problems such as unequal care burdens, precarious domestic work, symbolic violence, and limitations in access to education and reproductive autonomy.
Peaceful Protest Amidst Police Presence
The march proceeded under a heavy police deployment. While there was a brief moment of tension with security forces, the protest continued peacefully for almost three hours. The mobilization concluded without major incidents, with participants reiterating their demand that the state prioritize the guarantee of rights over what they consider ideological agendas.
Feminist Movement Evolution and Institutional Strategy Questioned
During the rally, members of the National Feminist Front called for immediate dialogue with the federal government and local authorities. They accused institutions of following an international agenda that, they believe, invisibilizes women and promotes policies contrary to their rights. They also criticized the evolution of the feminist movement itself. Yan María Yaoyolotl, a promoter of the march, stated that the commemoration of March 8 (International Women’s Day) has incorporated demands from other social groups, which she believes dilutes the historical struggle of women.
The protesters also questioned policies that prioritize diversity and inclusion while, they argue, neglecting attention to violence against women. They also expressed concern that under these approaches, individuals with male sex are allowed into women-only spaces, such as restrooms and shelters, which they consider a risk.
Source: oem.com.mx
