Women in Mexico’s northern state of Nuevo León are marching to mark International Women’s Day and call for an end to violence against women and femicides. #IWD2020 #8M

They are carrying placards that read, “México feminicida” (Mexico murders women) and ““We are the cry of those who are no longer here”.

Women in Monterrey have been taking the public space —where they are in constant danger of being attacked, murdered and disappeared— not only to denounce the violence, but also to find each other, forge new relationships and create new forms of organizing.

For many, this is their first time joining a feminist protest. Although many of them have been using the online space to challenge Mexico’s patriarchal society and machismo, they are now engaging in other forms of offline activism. #IWD2020

The myth that young people are politically apathetic on feminist issues is predominantly strong here. An industrial and conservative city with a dominant business culture run by a few powerful families, and a heavy presence of American culture due to its proximity to the border.

Mothers searching for their missing daughters are also marching today. Where are they? They ask.

The state of Nuevo León, where Monterrey is located, is one of the top states with the highest number of femicides. In January, it ranked first in the country after eight women were killed.

A few weeks ago, women denounced a Facebook group called ‘Sretuorf’ where members share sexual attacks carried out in Monterrey’s metro and advices to harass women who use the city's public transport. Authorities said they are investigating.

On February 21, they organized a sit-in protest where almost 500 women stood in silence in front of the government palace. In a powerful and heartbreaking moment, a group of women between 19 and 24 years old stood up in front of the crowd and share stories of sexual harassment.