Argentina’s decision to repeal the crime of femicide from its penal code is a major setback in the fight against gender-based violence worldwide. The move, made by President Javier Milei, dismisses femicide laws as a product of “woke” culture and claims that radical feminism distorts equality.
Repealing the law could have far-reaching consequences for Latin America and globally, potentially encouraging other countries to weaken their protections. This would be devastating for women and girls across the region, who are already disproportionately affected by violence.
Femicide laws aim to address systemic gender inequality and misogyny that fuels violence against women. At least 18 countries in Latin America have adopted these laws since 2007, which explicitly recognize when women are killed due to their gender and acknowledge the broader pattern of violence rooted in inequality.
However, efforts to end violence against women must remain a priority. In 2023 alone, an estimated 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide, with many more experiencing abuse and violence.
Repealing femicide laws would undermine progress made by countries that have adopted them, including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Croatia, Malta, and Cyprus. These laws have led to the creation of specialized police units, judicial training programs, and harsher penalties for these acts of violence.
The removal of femicide laws would also make it more difficult to track and address the issue of violence against women. Without such laws, crimes are often not tracked or misclassified, leading to a lack of data and resources for prevention and intervention efforts.
This decision highlights the need for continued advocacy and support for women’s rights and justice. Femicide laws are not a matter of “woke” culture but rather a commitment to accountability and human rights.
Source: https://theconversation.com/argentinas-president-is-vowing-to-repeal-woke-femicide-law-it-could-have-ripple-effects-across-latin-america-248435