FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PARA PUBLICACION INMEDIATA : October 29, 2021
CONTACT / CONTACTO : Yamiles Nunez, Social Media and Communications Specialist, yamiles.nunez@campesinasunite.org
Farmworker Women Fight to End Gender-Based Violence
Since 1989, October has been nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a month to acknowledge and uplift the voices of domestic violence survivors and their families. Throughout the month, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas has been raising awareness among rural communities on ending domestic and sexual violence against farmworker women and girls (campesinas) through education, prevention, and advocacy efforts. On October 30th, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas will be taking to social media to share the culmination of our advocacy efforts by showcasing the Mandilitos (Little Aprons) exhibits created by our members throughout the month, and to urge the Senate to once again stand with survivors and their families by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Throughout the day, Alianza will be showcasing the Mandilitos exhibits that our member organizations have created across the country. The Mandilitos represent the aprons that women and girls usually wear in the home. As part of the campaign, campesinas and their families decorate and exhibit the Mandilitos, which serve as an educational tool for the members to promote dialogue on violence, toxic masculinity, healthy relationships, and gender equity. According to studies, nearly one-third of women farmworkers experience domestic violence.
We understand that change is not possible without strong legislation, and we continue calling on members of the senate to once again reauthorize VAWA. VAWA has been a cornerstone of the federal government’s responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, ensuring survivors have access to holistic programs and assistance. We call on the Senate to introduce and pass a robust, VAWA reauthorization, with enhanced provisions for immigrant and migrant survivors, including campesinas, who face systemic and structural vulnerabilities that heighten their risk for violence and exploitation.
As we reach the end of National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV), uplifting the voices of survivors, and standing in solidarity with all communities experiencing GBV.
Who: Alianza Nacional de Campesinas
What: Social Media Mandilitos Showcase
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @CampesinasUnite
#DVAM2021
#VAWA4ALL
When: October 30th, 2021