SANTIAGO – Feminist organizations protested in front of government palace La Moneda on the eve of Women’s Day. They performed A Rapist in Your Path and targeted the outgoing president for misogynistic behavior. The main event will take place Mar. 8.
In preparation of International Women’s Day on Mar. 8, Chilean feminist organizations Coordinadora Feminista 8 de Marzo and Brigada Laura Rodig have protested in front of government palace La Moneda.
The protest involved a so-called pañuelazo, or waving of green handkerchiefs which became a symbol of Latin America’s pro-abortion and women’s rights movement.
Protesters were especially critical of President Sebastian Piñera’s track record on women’s rights. Piñera has come under fire for misogynistic remarks, normalization of rape culture, and impunity of aggressors.
The performance A Rapist in Your Path by Valparaíso feminist collective Las Tesis was also part of the program. Before the pandemic, the performance could be seen during feminist protests worldwide.
This morning, feminists gathered in front of the Presidential Palace to perform A Rapist in Your Path, ahead of tomorrow's #8M march, while sending a special goodbye to president Piñera on his last Monday in office. https://t.co/eDA7DW9Iua
— Charis McGowan (@charis_mcgowan) March 7, 2022
Women’s rights in Chile
Antonia Orellana, Chile’s incoming Women and Gender Equality Minister, promised that women’s issues will be a government priority. The next government will take office on Mar. 11.
Orellana said during the Estado Nacional talkshow on Sunday that the female vote was key to get Gabriel Boric elected president and the incoming government will show its appreciation of female influence in national politics.
The main demonstration on Tuesday in Santiago will start at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza de la Dignidad and close around 7:30 p.m. near Alameda corner Echaurren. Events are set to take place in all major cities.
Stephanie Iancu just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and she is aiming to go on and earn a postgraduate degree in Journalism. Her main areas of interest are politics, women’s rights, human rights and culture. She is currently taking a gap year and staying in New York while interning at Chile Today.