"The day of non-violence against women should be remembered daily"
This November 25, at the University of Azuay, a discussion on non-violence and empowerment was held, as part of the activities to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
This day arises at the international level because it is the date on which the Mirabal sisters were assassinated in the regime of President Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, in the Dominican Republic.
The event was organized by the Academic Vice-Rectorate and the Gender Department of the University of Azuay, and included as guests Amelia Erráez, Sonia Pacheco, Enrique Estuardo and Diego Yala.
María del Carmen Calderón, mediator of the event and Director of the Gender Department of the UDA, began by mentioning that sexist violence has aspects such as the invisibility of the violated woman and the naturalization of this type of aggression.
That is why he indicated that this is a date to thank the people who fought against this scourge.
This was followed by a presentation by Enrique Estuardo, author of the play: "Look at them, look at you! Lives in resistance", which consists of portraits and stories of inspiring women aimed at connecting with viewers.
Estuardo says that the work has generated complaints from self-conscious men who complained saying things like "but we are not so ugly", which in his opinion is another form of violence against women.
Later, Amelia Erráez, former mayor of the Nabón canton, appeared, recalling that the women of her canton suffered the consequences of migration:
“The men left and the women stayed in charge of raising the family. However, they did not decide. Meetings were held and after these they had to ask the husband to make a decision, "she commented.
This is why during his administration, Erráez launched the project "Yes, I can", which served to empower people and thus achieve greater citizen participation.
The next to speak was Sonia Pacheco, who gave her testimony as a survivor of sexual violence, “an experience that can hurt a lifetime, but that by walking with other people you can overcome, starting with loving yourself and loving the things you do. ”.
Finally, Diego Yala spoke, who stated that the day of non-violence against women should be remembered daily, since women are constantly being killed by their perpetrators, due to the violence that originates in the patriarchy.
"The stereotypes that society attributes to men tell them that they have to be perfect, providers, macho and as women be sensitive, loving, dependent. This causes pain and configures attitudes, such as being given a gift on Mother's Day. washing machine or a vacuum cleaner to the mother. Which will continue to exist until we change the bases, "concluded Yala.
UDA Correspondent
