Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo
Throughout history, women banded together and fought for their societies’ rights in countless human rights crises, like the Algerian resistance, Iranian women (Woman, Life, Freedom), Black women and the civil rights struggle in the United States, and so did women across Latin America. Early in the 1970s, crimes against humanity were committed in South America under the pretext of a “National Reorganization Process,” attributable to state terrorism. A grassroots human rights organization called the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo has fought and is still fighting against the oppression and sequestration that took place in Argentina under the military dictatorship, criticizing impunity and calling for truth, remembrance, and justice.
Many civilians joined revolutionary organizations in response, defending their freedom and democracy while facing harsh repercussions; they were The Mothers‘ children. These women, who would go on to become heroes, initially met on April 30, 1977, to recover the nation’s kidnapped children. The organization estimated that more than 30,000 people became “Desaparecidos,” or “the disappeared,” between 1970 and 1980 (Source: Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo).
The authorities did not leave any documentation of these people’s arrests or evidence that they had been charged, and their names were removed from public records.
I chose to highlight this group of women because of their tenacity—they have been meeting and denouncing as they always have until the truth is revealed for more than 30 years. They led a significant social change in South America and assisted many parents in finding their missing children, and for that, I have nothing but the utmost respect. Moreover, to me, someone that is inspirational is someone that is selfless, someone whose core values are what drives them, and who fights in accordance. I could never imagine having to worry about where my child has been taken or how he is being treated on a daily basis for years with no answers. Therefore it amazes me to see these women find such strength in their suffering.
On March 24, we remember those who have disappeared in activity and all those who have endured years of state terrorism. More importantly, though, we demand remembrance, the truth, and justice.
“Verdad, Memoria,y Justicia ”
By: Sofia Marsico
