Brisa García is demanding justice for her mother, Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes, an Uber driver who was tragically murdered in Mexico City on December 29. García, who learned of her mother’s death hours after she left for work, is urging the authorities to classify the case as a femicide, highlighting the alarming statistic that ten women are killed daily in Mexico, with 95% of cases going unpunished. In a heartfelt message, she called on Uber to take responsibility and implement better safety measures for female drivers, including life insurance for victims’ families. As the investigation continues, García plans to lead a peaceful march to the capital’s prosecutor’s office to advocate for justice and raise awareness about the ongoing violence against women in the country.
Brisa García’s Fight for Justice: An Interview with Violence Against Women Expert, Dr. Elena Ríos
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ríos. We’re discussing the tragic case of Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes, an Uber driver who was murdered in Mexico City. Brisa garcía, her daughter, is advocating for justice and calling for the classification of the case as femicide. What do you make of her demands?
Dr. Ríos: Brisa García’s calls for justice highlight a pressing issue in Mexico. The alarming statistic that ten women are killed daily, with 95% of cases going unpunished, underscores a serious systemic failure. Femicide—defined largely as the gender-based killing of women—needs to be recognized for what it is indeed if we are to confront this violence effectively.
Editor: Absolutely. What is the significance of labeling this case as a femicide from both a legal and societal perspective?
Dr. Ríos: classifying the murder as femicide allows for a more focused legal approach. It acknowledges the gendered nature of violence against women in Mexico, emphasizing that these acts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader epidemic. Societally, it raises awareness and urgency around these issues, which is critical for mobilizing community and governmental support.
Editor: Brisa is also urging Uber to enhance safety measures for their female drivers. What practical steps do you believe the company should take to protect its drivers?
Dr. Ríos: Uber must acknowledge its obligation to its drivers, especially female ones who are disproportionately at risk. Implementing comprehensive safety measures is essential. This includes not only better in-app safety features, such as emergency buttons or live monitoring, but also providing life insurance for victims’ families.Additionally, training drivers on recognizing and de-escalating possibly perilous situations could be invaluable.
Editor: In conjunction with these corporate responsibilities, Brisa plans to lead a peaceful march to raise awareness. How effective do you find grassroots movements like this in advocating for change?
Dr. Ríos: Grassroots movements are incredibly effective. They create visibility around these issues and demonstrate public support for change. brisa’s march not only honors her mother’s memory but also unites individuals affected by similar tragedies. Such actions can pressurize authorities to act decisively and may lead to meaningful reforms in safety legislation.
Editor: It’s clear there’s a lot at stake here. How can everyday citizens support movements advocating for justice in cases of femicide and violence against women?
Dr. Ríos: Citizens can support these movements in various ways, including attending marches or vigils, sharing details on social media, and engaging in discussions to raise awareness. Supporting organizations that work to combat violence against women can also amplify efforts to create systemic change. Awareness is the first step towards advocacy.
Editor: Thank you, dr. Ríos, for your insights into this critical issue. Brisa García’s brave actions remind us all of the need for action against gender-based violence and the importance of supporting victims and their families.
Dr. Ríos: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. It is pivotal that we keep these discussions alive to strive towards a safer environment for all, especially women, in Mexico and beyond.