Thousands Take to the Streets: Women Protest Against Removal of Femicide from Penal Code
Thousands of women gathered in the streets of Buenos Aires on International Women’s Day to voice their outrage over Argentinian President Javier Milei’s controversial plan to remove the crime of femicide from the country’s penal code. The protest, which drew widespread attention, was fueled by deep concerns over the potential consequences of such a move, especially given the alarming rate of gender-based violence in Argentina. As demonstrators chanted slogans and held signs, they emphasized that the removal of femicide as a specific crime would send a dangerous message and leave women even more vulnerable to violence.
A Grim Reality: The Alarming Rate of Femicide in Argentina
The statistics are staggering. In Argentina, a woman is killed every 30 hours, a grim reminder of the pervasive violence that women face. This shocking figure has become a rallying cry for activists, who argue that the proposed removal of femicide from the penal code would not only trivialized these killings but also undermine the progress made in recent years to address gender-based violence. Demonstrators pointed out that femicide is not just a crime; it is a symptom of a deeper societal issue—one that requires targeted legal measures and societal change. By erasing femicide from the law, they argue, the government would be turning a blind eye to this reality.
International Women’s Day: A Call to Action
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, is traditionally a day to commemorate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. However, this year, the occasion took on a more urgent tone in Argentina. For the thousands of women who marched through Buenos Aires, the day became a powerful platform to demand action from their government. They called on President Milei to reconsider his proposal, arguing that the removal of femicide from the penal code would be a major setback for women’s rights. The protesters, many of whom shared personal stories of loss and survival, made it clear that this was not just a political issue but a matter of life and death.
The Government’s Proposal: A Step Backwards for Women’s Rights
At the heart of the controversy is President Javier Milei’s plan to revise the penal code. Critics argue that the removal of femicide as a specific crime would weaken legal protections for women and make it harder to prosecute cases of gender-based violence. Femicide, which refers to the murder of women because of their gender, is a distinct legal category that acknowledges the systemic nature of violence against women. By eliminating this category, opponents say, the government would be stripping away a crucial tool for holding perpetrators accountable and for addressing the root causes of such violence.
The Broader Context: A History of Activism and Resistance
The protest in Buenos Aires is part of a long tradition of activism in Argentina, where women have consistently pushed for greater rights and protections. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in addressing gender-based violence, including the adoption of landmark legislation such as the 2012 Femicide Law. However, activists warn that these gains are fragile and could easily be reversed. The proposed changes to the penal code have reignited fears that the current government is not committed to protecting women’s rights. Many demonstrators expressed frustration that the government would even consider such a move, given the ongoing struggles women face in Argentina.
A Call to Action: The Fight for Women’s Lives Continues
As the protest came to a close, the message from the demonstrators was clear: the fight for women’s lives and rights must continue. While the immediate focus is on preventing the removal of femicide from the penal code, the broader struggle is about creating a society where women are safe, valued, and treated with dignity. The women of Argentina have made their voices heard, and they have vowed to keep fighting until their demands are met. For them, this is not just a political battle—it is a matter of survival, and they will not be silenced.
