Feminism in Chile: A movement that is progressing, albeit slowly

No one can doubt that this Chile is very different from 20 or even 10 years ago. Partly because, when we found ourselves lagging in social matters compared to other countries, efforts to change our collective consciousness was slow and the process was not simple. For decades, different groups have struggled to extend their rights, with few results and strong resistance from the authorities and civil society. Faced with this adverse context, the proverb that "the only struggle that is lost is the one that is abandoned" applies very well. Of these social movements, one of the strongest in Chile is feminism, with a long history going back more than 150 years.

In the last two decades, feminism in Chile has experienced a significant boom. Feminist mobilisations have gained visibility and strength, addressing issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, equal pay, and reproductive rights. In addition, important legislative advances have been made, such as the approval of the Law on Domestic Violence and the Three-Case Abortion Law.

Along with this, the feminist movement in Chile has been the main topic of important demonstrations, such as International Women's Day and the Women's Marches, which have brought together hundreds of thousands of women throughout the country. Feminism in Chile has evolved from the late 19^th century to the present day, addressing diverse demands and fighting for gender equality in all spheres of society.

In the last 10 years there has been an expansion of women's rights as a result of social demands driven by feminism, which have even made world news.

In 2016, the organisation Ni Una Menos gained strength in Chile, inspired by the mobilisation that began in Argentina. This collective focused on denouncing and fighting against gender violence, especially femicides. Mass demonstrations demanded justice for the victims, as well as concrete actions to prevent and address gender-based violence.

The following year, the Three-Case Abortion Law was passed in Chile, allowing the termination of pregnancy in cases of risk to the mother's life, foetal non-viability, and rape. This law represented a significant advance in women's reproductive rights and was the result of the feminist struggle for the decriminalisation of abortion.

In November 2019, the feminist collective Las Tesis presented a performance called "A rapist in your way". The action quickly went viral and was replicated in several countries around the world. The performance made the problem of gender violence visible and became a symbol of feminist resistance. How can we forget the chant that was loudly sung: "And it wasn't my fault, or where I was, or how I was dressed".

In addition, year after year the International Women’s Day march brings together thousands of women, reaching its peak in March 2020, where it is estimated that almost one million women participated.

A double achievement

Each of these advances achieves greater strength and a sense of accomplishment when one considers the "machismo" inherent in Chilean society. In Chile, this manifests itself in various forms, one of the most visible of which is gender violence and the high rate of femicides that occur every year. In 2021 there were 44, in 2022, 56 and so far in 2023 there have already been 10 and 65 thwarted. These violent acts are largely rooted in gender inequality and the belief that men have the right to exercise power and control over women.

In addition to violence, discrimination and inequality of opportunity are also visible forms of machismo. Women in Chile often face barriers in the workplace, receiving lower wages than men for the same work and having fewer opportunities for career advancement. There is also a gap in political participation, with fewer women in leadership and decision-making positions.

It is important to note that machismo not only harms women, but also men. It imposes restrictive roles and expectations on them, limiting their freedom of expression and restricting their ability to develop healthy and equitable relationships.

According to the latest Ipsos data on gender equality, the figures are alarming. In the latest International Women's Day 2023 Global Advisor¹ study, gender inequality is still far from being over, and public perception is on the rise. Seven out of 10 people interviewed believe that there is still inequality between women and men in terms of social, political and/or economic rights.

When asked whether too much is expected of men to support equality, 61% agreed with this statement, which positions us as a country that is very dependent on the spaces that men free up for women's opportunities. Another point to consider is the very idea of feminism, where only 39% of those surveyed in Chile define themselves as such.

 

However, not everything is so negative in relation to gender inequality, as 62% believe that both genders benefit from policies that aim for equality.

What remains to be done?

UNESCO in its latest Gender Equality² report determines that "relations between women and men play an important role in shaping, evolving and transforming the values, norms and cultural practices of a society, which, in turn, determine those relations". Policies to combat this inequality must address four dimensions:

• Women's participation in political life whether through voting, involvement in decision-making processes or holding public office.
• Education. This is a tool for empowering people by equipping them with knowledge and skills, which help women and men to make informed choices about their professional and private lives.
• Workforce participation. It is central to women's social and economic empowerment, offering them more choices and resources, as well as greater autonomy to lead the lives they want.
• Gender equality legislation and other legal measures indicate whether the state has recognised the existence of inequalities that require gender-differentiated measures to ensure equality and respect for human rights.

Throughout this article we have seen a series of actions and measures that the feminist struggle has promoted in the country to put an end to gender inequalities. The next step is for society as a whole to establish serious and concrete measures to reduce the wide existing gaps.

Parity between men and women in decision-making spaces is a goal that should not be rolled back but extended to other spheres besides politics. Ensuring that women are part of the workforce requires balancing responsibilities in domestic, care and child-rearing work with those of men. In addition, it is imperative that women's participation in the economy be equal pay for equal work. The pandemic has revealed that there are gaps that are still far from being closed in these areas. 

The private sector has the opportunity to lead these pending advances, with mechanisms that allow for equal options for all and offer the same guarantees for both women and men: closing wage gaps, providing more tools for training and promoting the talents of all equally. Encouraging family life and actively participating in the wellbeing of workers today should be assumed as an obligation and not as an added value. It is vital that men and women feel valued and share roles in organisations, in order to grow together in the same direction, without differences or distinctions.

[1] Ipsos Chile (8 de marzo de 2023). Día Internacional de la Mujer 2023. Disponible en: https://www.ipsos.com/es-cl/74-cree-que-en-chile-existe-desigualdad-contra-la-mujer-en-terminos-politicos-economicos-yo

[2] UNESCO. (2014). “Igualdad de género” en Indicadores UNESCO de cultura para el desarrollo. Disponible en:  https://es.unesco.org/creativity/sites/creativity/files/digital-library/cdis/Iguldad%20de%20genero.pdf

Table of content 

1. An introduction to Flair Chile 2023: A historic year?
2. Global view of Chile
3. Gen Z: A snowflake generation?
4. Feminism in Chile: A movement that is progressing, albeit slowly
5. The chilean route to sustainable development
6. Is it possible to innovate in a disruptive way in Chile?