Introduction to the Issue
Mexico is experiencing a period of criminal governance marked by the expansion of organized crime, normalization of violence, and increased recruitment of women into criminal groups, according to Mariclaire Acosta Urquidi, president of Justicia Transicional in Mexico.
Expert Insights and Reports
During the discussion “Movimientos sociales, activismo y arte feminista” at the Azcapotzalco Unit of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM), Acosta Urquidi highlighted that this phenomenon has varying impacts across different states and is a response to new forms of aggression documented by international organizations.
She referred to the 2023 report “Socias en el crimen” published by International Crisis Group, which documents the rise of women’s participation in criminal organizations.
Acosta Urquidi explained that these structures primarily recruit young women who lack familial support networks, often becoming involved through relationships with partners or close associates linked to criminal organizations.
Additionally, she pointed out that other characteristics associated with this context include an increase in forced disappearances and the proliferation of search groups led by mothers, sisters, and wives.
Mexico has one of the highest rates of missing persons globally, with around 133,000 cases, mostly involving young people aged 15 to 29 and a growing number of women.
Approximately 200 search groups exist, composed of mothers, sisters, and wives seeking their relatives in high-risk conditions, tasks that should ideally be handled by law enforcement agencies.
The Role of Feminist Art
During the same event, Dr. Cecilia Noriega Vega, an investigator at the Department of Evaluation in Time Design, emphasized that feminist art has become a social and political influence tool by shedding light on and denouncing violence against women.
She recalled that artists like Frida Kahlo addressed these issues decades ago, such as in the piece “Unos cuantos piquetitos,” and highlighted the significance of Mónica Mayer’s conceptual work “El tendedero,” presented in 1978 at the Museum of Modern Art.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern discussed in this article? The rising involvement of women in criminal activities in Mexico and its impact on society.
- Who is Mariclaire Acosta Urquidi, and why is she relevant? Mariclaire Acosta Urquidi is the president of Justicia Transicional in Mexico. She highlighted the growing issue of women’s participation in criminal organizations.
- What report sheds light on this phenomenon? The “Socias en el crimen” report, published by International Crisis Group in 2023, documents the rise of women’s participation in criminal organizations.
- What are the characteristics associated with this context? Increased forced disappearances and the proliferation of search groups led by family members of missing persons.
- How has feminist art contributed to addressing these issues? Feminist art, as discussed by Dr. Cecilia Noriega Vega, has become a tool for social and political influence by raising awareness of violence against women.
