Speaking about feminism in Mexico, a key, little-known milestone was the 1916 Feminist Conference, which brought together women from different parts of the country, mainly from the middle class. It was a conference ahead of its time, where women demanded equal rights, the right to vote, education and the right to work outside the home. Despite considering that Mexico continues to be a country with sexist feelings and attitudes, feminist causes have advanced in recent decades. Although not enough. Among many others, two facts attest to this: one, studies show the persistence of gender pay disparity for identical jobs. The other fact is the high rate of femicides.
In that reflection on the evolution of feminism, an eight-episode television series (Apple TV) titled Las Azules caught my attention. The theme, but not the plot, is inspired by real events. The context is 1971 when Echeverría and his wife come up with the idea of creating the first squad of female police officers in a ruse that is more propaganda than authentic. The story tells how four women, against the conservatism of the time, decide to enroll, undergo training and believe that they will be given responsibilities equal to men. They soon become disenchanted. The assigned uniform is a miniskirt with boots and a kepi, they are not given weapons and are assigned to carry out information work in public parks. A serial killer of women terrorizes Mexico City, and when these four police officers are refused to be assigned to the investigation, they decide to carry out theirs secretly and solve the case, which no male officer had been able to do. do.
Although the series tends towards the soap opera, the script is very well done and the acting of the four protagonists is excellent: Barbara Mori, Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado and Ximena Sariñana. Miguel Rodarte, as the tough officer who supervises them and who ends up being their protector, has one of the best performances of his career. The plot does not focus only on serial murders, but in the series the personal and family problems of each of the four are exposed in a very well-executed manner and of course the ups and downs of the relationship between them.
The production, mainly directed by Fernando Rovzar, achieves a wonderful setting of the period like we have not seen since Cuarón’s Roma. Every detail was carefully taken care of such as objects, furniture, cars, clothing and more. In short, it is a good series. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that beyond entertainment, deep down it is a testimony that makes us reflect on the fight that women have had to wage in Mexico for equal job opportunities, for equal social treatment, for equal pay. , reproductive rights, political participation and, in general, non-discrimination of any kind. That is the value of Las Azules: raising awareness about respect for women in all areas and promoting conditions of gender equality.
Today we say goodbye to the year. I wish for everyone that 2025 is a hopeful and fortunate year.
