Demanding state recognition, transforming political rights: women’s activism to end violence against women in politics in the Americas

In the last twenty years, activists in Latin America have raised awareness about the problem of violence against women in politics (VAWIP). This form of gender-based violence targets women exercising their political rights -not just as candidates or voters, but also as activists and human rights defenders, members of political parties and unions, and so on. Attention to violence against women in politics emerged during processes of democratic deepening and neoliberal reforms in Latin America. In this context, countries enacted multiple legal and political reforms aimed at improving the quality of democratic governance, emphasizing political inclusion while undermining the state and civil society. Women politicians, ‘femocrats’, and activists mobilized to raise awareness about VAWIP and create bill proposals to address the problem. In a span of a little more than 10 years (2012-20123) most countries in Latin America have adopted at least one measure addressing some expressions of VAWIP. How was this change possible? In this paper, I map the emergence of activist-led state initiatives to address different expressions of VAWIP. Using interviews with over 70 participants from across the region and content analysis of archival materials, the paper demonstrates how feminist activists have taken advantage of processes of democratic deepening and institutional transformation to expand the legal recognition of women’s political rights. The paper compares three processes, led by different actors in three countries. In Bolivia, feminist activists led the discussion of VAWIP and promoted the creation of the first law to combat VAWIP in the world. In Mexico, the work was led by ‘femocrats’ working in electoral management bodies. In Colombia, international organizations brought attention to the problem, and coordinated efforts with women politicians, civil society, and electoral authorities. Though the main actor was different in each country, cooperation, and support among all of them was necessary for the successful adoption of anti-VAWIP laws. The paper also reflects on the ways in which an intersectional lens was used in the design of these measures as well as the impact of these initiatives for women -especially Indigenous, Afro, and LBTQ. The paper concludes by reflecting on the dissemination of knowledge and strategies to end VAWIP in Latin America and outlines lessons for other regions.