Women’s movements to fight against impunity and forgetting: parallels and differences between Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) and Medellín (Colombia)

Abstract

This paper is aimed at analyzing, from a comparative lens, the work developed by female social movements in Ciudad Juárez and Medellín. Despite their geographical separation, these two cities present remarkable similarities. Both municipalities have historically been characterized by a strong presence of structural violence against women. As shown in our analysis, the hegemonic patriarchal system prevailing in these two cities has led to a climate of widespread insecurity and has contributed to the perpetuation of feminicidal and misogynist violences. The sorority promoted by the women of Ciudad Juarez and Medellín has achieved major advances towards visualizing this reality, as well as in pushing the demand for justice through communicative and discursive strategies.