It is often said that the feminist revolution progressed in significant “waves” over time: the first wave was focused on civil, political, and social rights; the second wave centered on liberating women’s bodies; and the third wave, which is currently at the forefront, emphasizes intersectionality and the fight against gender-based violence. This is especially true in Latin America today. Networks like RedLac (based in Mexico), IncideJoven (Guatemala), and the Hijas de Pandora association (Ecuador), supported by Feminists in Action and primarily led by young feminists, share their vision and struggles in these areas.
INTERSECTIONALITY: A CORE VALUE FOR YOUNG FEMINISTS
A new generation of feminists has progressively emerged in Latin America. Following the footsteps of their predecessors, they bring new energy to feminist movements. Intersectionality is a major focus for young Latin American feminists, as a sociological concept that describes how different forms of oppression (racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, etc.) accumulate and reinforce each other. For example, the experience of a Black woman with a disability is significantly different from that of an able-bodied white woman.
The Mexican association Colectiva Iranu, a member of RedLAC (the Network of Latin American and Caribbean Youth for Sexual and Reproductive Rights), highlights the importance of intersectionality: “We are young Indigenous women (…) and we are part of the Network (…), a space where diverse young people work from our local contexts, including urban, rural, Indigenous, Afro, and sexually diverse youth.” Las Hijas de Pandora agrees: “Intersectionality is transcendent for us, and it is evident in the projects we carry out.”
THE FIGHT AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, AMPLIFIED BY TRANSNATIONAL “ME TOO” MOVEMENTS
The new generation of feminists is also deeply committed to fighting gender-based violence. The situation is dire: in 2021, five women and girls were killed every hour worldwide by someone they knew. The “Me Too” movement reached Latin America, sparking protests and demonstrations against gender-based violence. However, the fight against gender-based violence in Latin America predates these movements, as feminists were already battling the brutality of dictatorships before “Me Too”.
The Incide Joven network testifies to this uprising against the treatment of women: “Our actions aim to ensure the free exercise of sexual and reproductive rights, which is why we fight for the elimination of gender-based violence.” To this end, Incide Joven organizes prevention workshops for various audiences, including adolescents, young people, parents, caregivers, and officials who work closely with adolescents and young people. “In our workshops, we address gender roles and stereotypes to dismantle them (…) it is also important to address the issue of consent in all practices.”
SOCIAL MEDIA: A POWERFUL YET DANGEROUS TOOL FOR YOUNG FEMINISTS
These struggles are championed loudly and clearly by civil society organizations (CSOs), both in the streets and online. Social media is a new platform that amplifies messages and allows for alliances with other organizations. For RedLac, social media has allowed them “to meet comrades, young people, and various organizations (…) and learn about other struggles.” Las Hijas de Pandora shares this view: “Social media has allowed us to reach people and women around the world.”
However, as a reflection of society, social media is also a space for predation and gender-based violence. Online harassment is common, with women and gender minorities frequently subjected to insults and increased violence. “We are intimidated in this space (…) exposing our lives and personal data, which has forced us to temporarily withdraw from these spaces (…) and change our phone numbers” (RedLac).
Proud heirs of the first and second-wave activists, the young generation of feminists continues the fight, adapting it to their times. Determined, creative, joyful, and courageous, they take on new challenges, in Latin America, as everywhere in the world!
For more information about feminist associations, check out these links: