November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a date that is not to celebrate, but rather to reflect and think of all those women who today are not due to sexist violence.
The obligatory confinement imposed on us by this imported pandemic, among the many economic and labour consequences, has been triggering an increase in domestic violence against women, but at the same time has resulted in a drop in direct allegations of violence. Why does this phenomenon occur? Simple, out of fear.
When we think about the progress and advancement of our society and our territories, we must also consider that this progress must be accompanied by a change in mindset and behavior in community. Our institutions and regulatory frameworks must be updated at the same pace as the demands that modern times demand of us. For this reason, I would like to stress that almost a year ago, specificly on December 3, 2019, the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW, was adopted in the Senate. As a fact, this protocol had been sleeping in the Senate since 2001, demonstrating how far behind our legislation is on gender equity issues.
CEDAW for experts is considered the “magna letter” on women’s rights, in essence, the protocol recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, to hear complaints filed by individuals or groups of persons, subject to the jurisdiction of the State party. In short, it strengthens our institutionality and updates us to international standards.
In Temuco, the regional capital of La Araucanía, we must push something similar. For example, to move forward in the creation of a woman’s home, where direct and confidential help is provided; on the other hand, updating municipal protocols and decrees related to this matter should be priority number 1 for the next administration.
The germ of conservatism has kept us in our hands for many years and has prevented transformations necessary to become a modern society of the 21st century. Let us take advantage of these new airs of change offered by, for example, the constituent process and build a slightly more humane, just and dignified Chile.
The content poured into this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
