This Sunday, a group of dozens of search mothers gathered in the heart of Mexico City to carry out a moving and significant march, in which the disappearance of girls, young people and elderly women, victims of feminicide and whose situation remains an enigma. The demonstration, organized by the Voces de la Ausencia collective, took place in the Zócalo and sought to draw the attention of citizens and authorities to the urgent need for justice for those who have been taken from their loved ones.
With the slogan “Because his voice will not die,” the families of the victims marched peacefully towards the Antimonument, located in the extinct Glorieta de Colón, on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. In a statement, Voces de la Ausencia explained that the event aims for society to join the demand that authorities work to find all missing women.
“Every year, we take to the streets to make our cry for justice resound for those who can no longer do it, those voices silenced by cowardly hands that, using violence, took what was not theirs, their lives. It is not a feminist movement, we are families, fathers, mothers, brothers, who do not ask to go through this hell,” the call read.
CASES THAT MARK THE REALITY
In the middle of the demonstration, emblematic cases were remembered that reflect the painful reality of the disappearance of women in Mexico. One of them is the feminicide of Nancy Irany Mendoza López, which occurred four years ago in Huehuetoca, State of Mexico. The authorities have offered a reward of up to 300 thousand pesos for information about her murderer, Daniel Blancas Cárdenas, who remains a fugitive after stabbing Nancy after an argument. The victim’s family continues to demand justice and has called on society to prevent future attacks.
Another case that resonated during the march was that of Griselda Antonio Pérez, who disappeared in November 2021 in Chalco, State of Mexico. His family has faced a harrowing search, facing bureaucracy and the insensitivity of the authorities in their attempt to find answers. Since his disappearance, the family has visited various prosecutor’s offices in search of information, while they continue to send him letters full of love, hoping that he will return.
THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES
This Sunday’s march was not only a manifestation of pain, but also of resistance and hope. The searching mothers, united by tragedy and love for their daughters, continue to fight for justice in a country where violence against women is alarmingly high. The lack of institutional support and the indifference of the authorities are obstacles they face daily. Which makes their fight even more crucial.
As the contingent advanced, cries for justice echoed through the streets, remembering that the voices of the missing and murdered women will never be forgotten. The struggle of these search mothers is a reminder of the need for collective action to confront the crisis of disappearances and femicides in Mexico. Demanding not only justice for their loved ones, but a change in the system that allows no other mother to have to go through this pain.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sofia Torres, Feminist Studies Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Torres! It’s a privilege to have you here. Just this past Sunday, we saw a powerful demonstration in Mexico City organized by the Voces de la Ausencia collective. Could you share your thoughts on the significance of this event?
Dr. Sofia Torres: Thank you for having me! The march was not just a demonstration; it was a profound act of remembrance and a call for justice for all the women who have disappeared or been murdered in Mexico. By gathering in such a significant location as the Zócalo, the families of these victims are sending a message to both the public and the authorities that this issue cannot be ignored. It highlights the urgent need for action and accountability.
Editor: Indeed, the slogan “Because his voice will not die” resonates deeply. How do you interpret this mantra in the context of what families are experiencing?
Dr. Torres: The slogan is a powerful reminder that the voices of the victims cannot be forgotten, even if they have been silenced. It speaks to the collective grief and the enduring fight of families to honor their loved ones and demand justice. The families, as they mentioned, are not activists in the conventional sense—they are mothers, fathers, siblings who have been thrust into this struggle, showcasing the personal toll of systemic violence against women.
Editor: You mentioned systemic violence. What are some root causes behind the feminicide crisis in Mexico, and why is this happening on such a large scale?
Dr. Torres: The issue of feminicide in Mexico is deeply tied to broader social problems, including entrenched patriarchal norms, inadequate legal protections for women, and a culture of impunity. Violence against women is often minimized and not taken seriously by authorities, leading to an environment where such crimes can occur with little consequence. Additionally, socioeconomic factors and organized crime contribute to the escalating violence, creating a perfect storm for these tragic events.
Editor: During the march, cases like Nancy Irany Mendoza López’s were highlighted. Could you explain why such individual stories are pivotal in the broader movement?
Dr. Torres: Individual cases serve as focal points for the broader narrative of violence against women. They humanize the statistics and remind us that behind every number, there is a life—an individual with dreams and loved ones. Highlighting these stories not only honors the victims, but it also galvanizes public support and pressure on the authorities to act. It transforms abstract policies into critical discussions about humanity and justice.
Editor: What role do you think social movements, like Voces de la Ausencia, play in addressing these issues?
Dr. Torres: Social movements are vital in raising awareness and advocating for change. They mobilize communities, provide support for affected families, and hold authorities accountable for their inaction. Movements like Voces de la Ausencia create a sense of solidarity among those who have suffered loss, and they empower participants to demand systemic change. Through constant public pressure, these movements challenge society to confront uncomfortable truths about gender-based violence.
Editor: Given the historical context, what steps can be taken to address and combat the issues of feminicide and disappearances in Mexico?
Dr. Torres: It requires a multi-faceted approach. First, there must be legal reforms that prioritize the protection of women and enhance penalties for perpetrators of violence. Second, we need comprehensive education programs that challenge patriarchal norms and promote gender equality from an early age. Third, strengthened support systems for victims and their families—such as better access to mental health services and legal assistance—are crucial. Lastly, there must be a cultural shift that actively promotes respect for women in all spheres of life.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for shedding light on this crucial issue. Your insights are invaluable in understanding the impact of these events and the importance of fighting for justice.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to keep these conversations going and ensure that the voices of the victims are heard, honored, and acted upon.