💜 Feminism—Own experience.

 "Write about an important cause."

Before starting, I must acknowledge I did some prior research and found in an American newspaper—usatoday.com—that there have been three waves of feminism. I will address the third and current one—the one of my generation—with a personal experience. Besides, I should mention I grew up in a family of five guys and my mother. Nevertheless, contrary to what may be believed, our parents raised us well.

    While doing the investigation, I discovered some staggering figures I could not digest. According to official data, in 2019, around 1,812 femicides and intentional homicides happened that year, plus 2,586 cases of sexual abuse and 1,895 cases of violation. In other words: at least 10 women are killed in our country. I knew the government was doing wrong, but not that wrong. I did not understand how that could be happening on that scale. However, I instantly remembered an event where men's hateful actions toward women were obvious.

    It goes like this: one particular day back in October 2018, various colleagues and I went having a drink at the city center. After a couple of beers and shoots, a friend suggested talking about feminism in politics—we were working in the Senate; therefore, every topic we spoke about was related to it—to my surprise, everyone agreed. The response was an unusual coordinated "yes."

    "This is not fair. Maritza took over the position reserved for me, 'just because more congresswomen need to be in power,' that's bullshit." Said Mario—a possible candidate for the same lost position at that time—furious with eyes reflecting hate and desperation. "We must do something now before this gets out of control. If you don't, you will end up in the same situation, guys, and the experience is everything but amusing." "We're already doing something, buddy." Answered David. 

    The misogyny their mouths expelled shocked me. 

    Moreover, they had enough power to make a significant and dangerous impact in a matter of hours. I had heard about patriarchy and sexism in the past but never experienced it until that night. Fortunately, mom and dad raised us washing dishes, going for groceries, serve women at the table when needed, cleaning the house, and doing the laundry, so we never saw it on our daily basis. Nowadays, I thank God I heard that awful conversation. It made me realize who the real enemy was and how I was part of it every time I kept my mouth shut.

    Some weeks subsequent the conversation took place, I assisted in a massive demonstration in Reforma—the most important avenue in the country. After seeing my friends cry and scream on behalf of many of their dead ones, I immediately agreed that destroying and harming historical monuments will be the only way to make a conservative-disinterested government realize and dive into the problem. 

    I became part of the movement. "Those buildings, fountains, and palaces can be easily replaced; my female friends cannot. Human lives cannot." I thought.

    But what were they fight for, exactly? Gender equality and real-state protection. Stuff we—men—take for granted. From then on, I engaged in feminist movements throughout the Senate and the federal chamber of deputies. Contributing my grain of sand to what would be known as the Paridad en Todo law. Parity in every branch of the Mexican government. 50 percent women, 50 percent men. 

    I still celebrate this event with joy and emotion. Feeling proud of the actions we as a country are taking every day. Helping whenever possible and defending the cause.  

    Disclosure: All the names previously mentioned were changed for security concerns. However, the story and dialogues were true.

Onward...