Women in Merida and across Mexico go public with their personal stories of violence

Women in the Plaza Grande join a national protest against violence directed toward women. Photo: La Jornada Maya

Merida, Yucatan — Dozens of women, some topless and masked, gathered in the Plaza Grande Friday, joining a national movement to protest violence against women.

Dubbed the “#Brillanteada,” the demonstration was triggered by an alleged rape in which four Mexico City police officers are suspects.

The Brillanteada also took place in Mexico City, Saltillo, Queretaro, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Puebla, Mazatlan, Xalapa and at the Port of Veracruz, in addition to Toluca, Monterrey, Oaxaca and San Cristobal de las Casas.

In Merida, banners had messages that translated to “I’m not crazy or menstruating” and “I’m tired of being raped.” Women also took to the megaphone to shared their own experiences of violence: beatings, harassment, abuse or rape.

One young woman, who identified herself as a victim of rape, expressed her disgust with the justice system bureaucracy.

“I’m sick of the abuse, of nobody doing anything. I have been fighting for months, there was evidence [of the rape] and they did nothing,” she said. “We are tired, we want justice.”

Another demanded punishment for her aggressor.

“I want justice for me, and for everyone, because my rapist is still free,” she said.

With the rhythm of a batucada, they expressed their distrust of the police.

“In this space I feel more secure than I have felt in years. I am grateful that we are all together and have our ovaries well placed,” said one of the protesters.

When a young man with a rosary in hand confronted some protestors, a woman responded by tossing pink glitter at his face. The man withdrew, after bowing his head to pray out loud.

Source: La Jornada Maya

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