Within the framework of December 10, Human Rights Day, groups and activists from Lima Norte call on civil society to confront the increase in tolerance towards violence against women.
The latest National Survey on Social Relations (ENARES) shows that 75.7% of people justify at least one form of violence against women and that 56.5% of men consider that, in certain circumstances, rape could be justifiable.
These results reflect a culture that naturalizes harm and violates fundamental rights, especially in environments where women’s bodies continue to be the most exposed to control and insecurity.
The findings of the Ipsos–Demus Sexuality and Gender Survey reinforce this concern. In the districts of Comas and El Agustino, as well as in the regions of Tacna, San Martín and Huánuco, myths that support inequality persist.
Between 12% and 20% of people surveyed believe that when a woman says “no” to a sexual relationship, “sometimes it means yes,” an idea that legitimizes rape culture. The notion also persists that a violent man can “change” thanks to a “good woman,” a belief shared by between 29% and 41% of the people surveyed.
The following data was also collected in the Comas district: 41% consider it inappropriate to talk about sexual pleasure; 38% believe that a girl becomes a woman when she menstruates; another 38% maintain that a violent man can change thanks to a “good woman”; and the 58% hold only the woman responsible in cases of unwanted pregnancy.
Demus carried out an artistic intervention in the Fevacel Market and the Comas Skate Park.
Staging
Faced with this scenario, groups from Lima Norte promoted a community response from the territories. Within the framework of 25N and on the way to Human Rights Day, they organized an artistic intervention focused on the relationship between body and territory: inhabiting safe spaces is a right and a prevention strategy.
The Feminist collectives Lima Norte, Yana Ñawi, Adeprosan and Vuelo de Mariposas, in alliance with the Hazando Pueblo Cultural House, convened two open meetings to create a safe space, share experiences and develop a stage action.
The intervention, carried out at the Fevacel Market and the Comas Skate Park, presented four scenes based on local testimonies: control over bodies, silences around sexual education, emotional pressure towards adolescents and street harassment.
These actions are part of a community strategy that seeks to prevent gender violence thanks to the support of DEMUS and the ADSIS Foundation.
On this Human Rights Day, the intervention reminds us that protecting the life and freedom of women is not a symbolic gesture, but an everyday commitment.
