Presenter Information

Paola BrionesFollow

Advisor Information

Brett Kyle

Location

MBSC Dodge Room 302A - G

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

4-3-2022 9:00 AM

End Date

4-3-2022 10:15 AM

Abstract

Femicide is defined as the specific targeting and assassination of women. While femicide exists worldwide, particularly in Latin America, Mexico has one of the highest reported rates of femicide. This paper will analyze the Lopez Obrador administration’s lack of response to rising femicide rates. The administration has not created a special prosecutor’s office to address the phenomenon; ninety-three percent of femicides remain unsolved. Previous research maintains several factors contribute to femicide including machismo, high national crime rates, and poverty. Although previous research explores causes of femicide, it neglects to provide concrete explanations for the intentional inaction of acting administrations. In fact, femicide is still only criminalized in thirteen of thirty-two states. This study utilizes government and NGO reports and statistics, legislative records, newspaper articles, and witness testimonies to pinpoint the political and socio-cultural nuances withholding government support for the end of femicide. The findings of this study conclude the Lopez Obrador administration has failed to prioritize the institutionalized criminalization of femicide. President Lopez Obrador plays two sides of the fence, going on record in support of legislative efforts against femicide, while also claiming femicide protests and data are exaggerated and publicized to hurt his political future. Going forward his administration must provide national and local resources for the accurate collection of femicide data and prosecution of murders, and implement national femicide legislation. Moreover, the administration must cease support for public office candidates accused of sexual assault or cynical of the phenomenon.

Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

COinS
 
Mar 4th, 9:00 AM Mar 4th, 10:15 AM

President Lopez Obrador’s Response to Femicide

MBSC Dodge Room 302A - G

Femicide is defined as the specific targeting and assassination of women. While femicide exists worldwide, particularly in Latin America, Mexico has one of the highest reported rates of femicide. This paper will analyze the Lopez Obrador administration’s lack of response to rising femicide rates. The administration has not created a special prosecutor’s office to address the phenomenon; ninety-three percent of femicides remain unsolved. Previous research maintains several factors contribute to femicide including machismo, high national crime rates, and poverty. Although previous research explores causes of femicide, it neglects to provide concrete explanations for the intentional inaction of acting administrations. In fact, femicide is still only criminalized in thirteen of thirty-two states. This study utilizes government and NGO reports and statistics, legislative records, newspaper articles, and witness testimonies to pinpoint the political and socio-cultural nuances withholding government support for the end of femicide. The findings of this study conclude the Lopez Obrador administration has failed to prioritize the institutionalized criminalization of femicide. President Lopez Obrador plays two sides of the fence, going on record in support of legislative efforts against femicide, while also claiming femicide protests and data are exaggerated and publicized to hurt his political future. Going forward his administration must provide national and local resources for the accurate collection of femicide data and prosecution of murders, and implement national femicide legislation. Moreover, the administration must cease support for public office candidates accused of sexual assault or cynical of the phenomenon.