Femicides in Argentina: the history of the organization that decided to report local cases

Por Sofía Bouzón

Official statistics and numbers on femicides did not always exist in Argentina. The “Ahora que sí nos ven” (AQSNV) Observatory revealed this situation, thus starting to collect this information based on the analysis of graphic and digital media across all the country after the first mobilization “Ni Una Menos” (2015), one history landmark statement against sexist violence.

But this is not the only activity for which the organisation is responsible. “At AQSNV we also develop the monitoring of laws and investigations related to the different types of violence that woman, transsexuals, transvestite, lesbians and non-binary people suffer in all spaces that manifest in our interpersonal relationships: home, work, public spaces, educational institutions, etc. In addition, we carry out communication, awareness campaigns, training and reflection workshops on the topic”, explains Oszust.

Since its original and up to the present day, the AQSNV monthly carries out the National Femicide Registry, together with the analysis of daily news that reflects violence and inequalities, as well as the reproduction of gender stereotypes and stigmatisation. According to the specialist, the national relevance of the Observatory is found in the task of monitoring compliance with public policies and in the public and political defense of gender equality with an intersectional approach.

One commitment made the achieved several recognitions 

In 2019 the Observatory was declared Cultural Interested by the Deliberative Council of the Municipality of La Plata (province of Buenos Aires). Later, in 2023, it was declared of Cultural Interest and for the Promotion of the Defense Woman’s Right and Sexual Diversities. Furthermore, in the same period, it won the Lola Mora Award for a real and stereotype-free image of women in the media in the Written Press Digital Media category, giving visibility to the journalistic and communication work they carry out through the website and social networks, through our analyses, reflections and journalistic articles.

At the same time, we had the opportunity to participate in the Federal Observatory of Comprehensive Sexual Education of the Ministry of Education of the Nation, due to the work carried out in research on the topic.

New year, new challenges 

Regarding the future of the organization and its activities, Oszust discusses the next steps: “On December 10th, Javier Milei took office in our country as President, who has repeatedly declared that sexist violence does not exist. Likewise, he took the decision to close the Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity, leaving sources of work and public policies to eradicate violence and gender inequalities on hold. Given this scenario, 2024 will be a key year for carrying out actions in defense of women’s human rights and specific gender diversities, as well as for monitoring the implementation of programs to eradicate violence, women’s quality of life and diversities, and the deepening of inequalities to influence politically and demand that the State comply with international treaties and current national regulations.”

The director also states that expressions of hatred against women and LGBTQIAP+, as well as acts of harassment and violence against these groups have worsened. “For this reason, we will reinforce awareness campaigns and meetings/workshops to reflect on everyday sexist practices and asymmetric power relations, reinforcing access to rights and reporting acts that put them at risk.”

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