ní una más

on MARCH 13, 2020

As the disappointing U.S. primary news filters through, sometimes it is good to reflect on how many women around the globe face much bigger challenges than the disappointment of the democratic choices dwindling down to two white men. Violence against women is a huge problem in Mexico. It is widely reported that there are over 700 open femicide cases, but the estimates of gender related murders are likely much higher. Some sources estimate that 10 women are killed every day – thus the need for the phrase “Ní una más” or “Not one more”.

This past Sunday, when we went to the bank to deposit a few checks, it was closed. Now, this is not an uncommon experience for us – many businesses are a bit spotty with their open hours and many close for a good chunk of the summer – but typically, banks are pretty consistent minus all the Mexican Holidays with which we are still unfamiliar.

But this closure was for a good cause. Following National Women’s day, many of the working women of Mexico stayed home to protest increasing femicide rates and rampant domestic violence. Since the branch manager and most of the tellers are women, our bank followed suit and closed its doors in support of “The Day Without Us“. Many women also took to the streets in protest to call for increased action to prevent violence against women. In Mexico City, protests even became violent themselves.

I find it maddening that the world still has such a problem with recognizing women as equal, but that is our reality. Ladies, we stand with you with our full support and hearts. Go get ’em!