A brief study on Latin American feminism

With all the changes happening in the world, we can’t overlook the transformations in the roles and freedoms of minorities. We’re learning and fighting daily to create a fairer and more equal society. Among these struggles, women’s empowerment stands out, with Latin American feminism serving as one of its main pillars of resistance.

Among the many important women in Latin America, we will highlight three who are integral to the rich and essential history of feminism.

Arlen Siu

Arlen, born in Nicaragua to a family of Chinese descent, became a fierce opponent of the Somoza dictatorship at a young age. She found solace in the songs and poems she wrote, which gave her peace amidst the turmoil. Tragically, Arlen was killed in combat in 1975 at just 20 years old, becoming a martyr.

Despite her short and intense life, she dedicated herself to political activism, inspiring women to continue fighting for their rights to this day.

• Arlen actively participated in the Sandinista Revolution, the movement that overthrew Anastasio Somoza Debayle’s dictatorship, which occurred four years after the guerrilla fighter’s death;
• Her creative mind and social sensitivity brought her activism into the realm of art. Her poems and songs, like “María Rural,” envisioned a just world and contributed to the feminist literature;
• By having a mestiza identity, Arlen Siu embodied the diverse facets of feminism, taking into account not just gender but also ethnicity and culture.

Before joining the Sandinista Front, Arlen Siu wrote a letter to her family, saying:

“The persistent struggle of humans for perfection is true love. We are most authentic when we break through barriers and limitations, facing adversities with courage and optimism. One day, we discover that we are capable of more than what is expected of us, and that we can achieve what some deem forbidden or impossible.“

Bertha Lutz

Brazilian biologist and political activist Bertha Lutz is considered one of the most important figures in Latin American feminism. She was a leading figure in Brazil’s suffragist movement, advocating not only for women’s right to vote but also for their access to education and participation in the workforce.

Additionally, in 1922, she founded the Brazilian Federation for Women’s Progress, which demanded equal participation for women in the economic, political, and social spheres. This organization inspired millions of women to join the fight for equality. Bertha also participated in international conferences, both with the BFWP and the UN, where her ideals transcended Brazil’s borders.

In 1932, women gained the right to vote, but Bertha’s dedication to feminist causes did not stop there. This was only the beginning. As a biologist, she believed that education was crucial for the intellectual and financial empowerment of women.

As one of the country’s first public servants and a federal deputy elected in Rio de Janeiro in 1936, Bertha Lutz paved the way for millions of women. She left behind a legacy of relentless determination in the fight for gender equality.

Bartolina Sisa

Bartolina was born in 1750 near La Paz, Bolivia. In 1782, she served as a military commander leading the indigenous people against Spanish colonization. Although the Bolivians did not win the battle, Bartolina demonstrated through her courage, strength, and determination that women are fully capable of occupying such roles.

In addition to being a force against colonial oppression, she symbolized resistance against patriarchal oppression, which continues to limit women’s freedom in many social and economic spheres to this day.

Bartolina is a key figure in indigenous feminism, resisting colonialism, racism, and patriarchy. This movement also highlights the importance of women’s roles in caring for the land and organizing their communities and ancestral traditions.

Her significance is so profound that September 5th, the day of her execution, is now celebrated as the International Day of Indigenous Women. Additionally, in 1980, the National Confederation of Campesino Indigenous Women of Bolivia, known as “Las Bartolinas,” was established in her honor. This organization addresses major challenges such as poverty, social marginalization, and violence against indigenous women.

These three brief examples of Latin American feminism highlight the movement’s deep and ever-evolving history, championed by global feminist networks.

Understanding the past is essential for navigating the present and shaping the future. It remains crucial to fight, resist, and advocate for women’s rights across various issues.

And which feminist movements are happning in Latin America today?

The Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encounters bring together numerous feminist movements from the region and “contribute to strengthening democracy by promoting women’s human rights through a feminist perspective in both the state and society” (quote translated from the original website).

The first edition took place in 1981 and had over 250 participants. Since then, the encounters have been held every two to three years.

The LACFE played a crucial role in establishing important dates for the entire continent, such as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and the Day for the Decriminalization of Abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean (September 28).

Last year, in 2023, the 15th edition took place in El Salvador, attracting over 1,500 participants. The event featured numerous discussions on women’s rights in Latin America and invited attendees to share proposals aimed at changing the current, still sexist, conditions in many places and daily situations.

This edition was more inclusive than previous ones, creating space for trans, non-binary, and other queer individuals while also prioritizing accessibility.

With no date yet set, the next encounter will be held in Haiti.

We know that women have been pioneers in many movements, and their inclusion as protagonists in advertisements and organizations is no exception. Here are some of these initiatives:

• Mujeres transformando: initiative that teaches women about leadership, economics and advocacy to incentivize them to be a part of the political and economical market in El Salvador.
• SheWorks!: Created in Argentina, the project bridges professional women and organizations, offering flexible and remote opportunities, along with courses and a women’s networking platform.
• Mujeres construtoras da paz: The goal is to equip Colombian women with the skills to manage and lead during armed conflicts in their communities.
• Elas na direção: In 2023, Chevrolet teamed up with the Instituto Plano de Menina to launch the ‘Women in the Driver’s Seat’ campaign, aimed at encouraging more women to get their driver’s licenses. With an investment of over 1 million reais, the program provided 220 spots for women in vulnerable situations throughout Brazil.
• Future Females: A global movement created to boost the number of female entrepreneurs, providing both digital and physical access, along with emotional support for inspiration and collaboration. The platform is a community of female entrepreneurship that encourages women to invest in their potential.
• Sebrae Delas: It is a program that promotes female entrepreneurship through guidance and inspirational partnerships. By focusing on acceleration, the aim is to professionalize the market further, creating jobs, fostering identity, and strengthening the economy.

Whittney de Araújo, who lives in the metropolitan region of Recife/Pernambuco – Brazil, is an independent Brazilian artist and feminist who integrates activism into her artistic work. In an interview with the Lupa do Bem project – which has been part of the network since 2023 – she shared her perspective on activism and feminism:

“Activism and feminism are acts of bravery and ways to show that women can achieve their goals by supporting each other. Over time, the term ‘feminism’ has been misunderstood and distorted by some, but I see it as an act of courage. Change has to start somewhere, and the best place to begin is with ourselves. It’s about taking our daily struggles and turning them into something greater.”

Even with many advances, we must not forget that there is still a long way to go.

In 2015, Brazil introduced the femicide law to protect women. Since then, at least 10,655 women have been victims of femicide, according to the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP). In 2023, we saw the worst year yet, with 1,463 femicide victims, a 1.6% increase from the previous year.

In El Salvador, there has been ongoing confusion about the concept of “gender ideology” in education. Similarly, in Argentina, issues persist with the veto on “inclusive language,” the denial of gender-based violence, and the wage gap between men and women.

Progressive women, conservative men?

Earlier this year, the British newspaper Financial Times published an article on the perspectives of men and women around the world.

The results reveal a significant disparity. While women are becoming increasingly progressive, men are trending more conservative. For instance, a Gallup poll in the United States shows that women aged 18-30 are currently 30% more liberal than their male counterparts.

This data is just one fact of the current circumstances and raises an essential question for the future. Feminism is still seen as a distant movement for many men, preventing them from joining the women’s struggle.

Therefore, it is important to understand that feminism in Latin America—and around the world—is the only viable path to allow women the freedom to do what they desire. Whether it’s being a housewife or the next CEO of a company, as long as these are their choices.