Mexico’s History of Femicide, Media Awareness, and Lack of Legal Protection for Women

Throughout Mexico's history, women have endured systemic oppression. Beginning in colonial Mexico, gender hierarchies formed. The establishment of hierarchies, the patriarchy, and lack of independence forced women into submissive roles. After the first and second waves of feminism, dynamics between men and women changed, granting women more independence. As they gained freedom, violence escalated and by the 1980s a pattern of violence emerged. In 1993, the documentation of femicide began and rates continued to increase with little legal protection offered. The rise of social media and continued the discussion of the issue and brought to light all levels of violence.Though legislation was passed to protect women, it was not enough. Women continue to fight for their safety and bring awareness to the issue.