**Remembering Victims of Femicide with a Large Altar in Las Tijeras on Day of the Dead**
On November 2, during the Day of the Dead celebrations, feminist collectives honored women who have fallen victim to femicide in Mexico by assembling a massive altar at the iconic Mexico Monument, commonly referred to as “Las Tijeras.” The event carried the poignant slogan, “In Mexico, every day is a day of dead women.”
Sofía Márquez, founder of the collective We Are Women On Fire, emphasized the importance of commemorating these victims, whose names remain overshadowed by grim statistics and forgotten by the state. “It is our duty to remember and name them because behind these numbers are names, stories, dreams, and families. As women, we must lend our voices and hands and acknowledge the pervasive danger we all face in this country.”
The gathering sought to push against the impunity surrounding numerous unresolved femicides across the nation. Márquez highlighted social pressure as a key factor in achieving justice, citing the case of Esmeralda, a young girl threatened with imprisonment after surviving sexual abuse and an abortion in a state where abortion is not legalized.
Crystal Lira, a member of Bloodys Red Tijuana, which advocates for reproductive rights, pointed out that while fatalities have decreased, the fight for women’s reproductive rights continues. “Even in 2024, while some progress has been made, women still suffer due to these issues, and regrettably, some lose their lives.”
The ceremony included remembering over 80 women from the 32 states of Mexico who were victims of femicide. Participants held a minute of silence and provided an open mic for those wishing to recount heartfelt messages in honor of the deceased.
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**Additional Coverage: Advocacy Drives Against Femicide and for Women’s Rights**
The issue of femicide and women’s rights remains a pressing concern in Mexico and has prompted numerous activist movements. Recent reports indicate that there’s an increasing call for legal reforms to tackle femicide. For instance, there are discussions to broaden the legal definition of attempted femicide to ensure more comprehensive legal protection for women facing gender-based violence.
Efforts are being made to create more spaces for discourse surrounding these crimes, with monthly vigils and public forums becoming more common across major cities. The advocacy for changes in legislation continues as activists call on authorities to take more decisive actions against impunity and to foster an environment where women’s rights are thoroughly protected.
Organizations such as Amnesty International have also urged the Mexican government to implement more stringent measures to address these crimes, underscoring the international concern regarding the safety of women in Mexico.
These advocacy efforts highlight a growing awareness and societal push to address and eradicate gender violence, hoping to foster a future where women can live without fear. Through these collective actions, there is a renewed determination to honor victims not just in memory but through substantive change.