An Exhibition that Breaks Silences
This summer, the Panera Art Center in Lleida presented a shocking exhibition by Regina José Galindo, entitled “Decolonize the world”. The Guatemalan artist’s work is known for its ability to highlight the various forms of violence that emanate from the colonial heritage, a theme that resonates deeply today.
Performance at the Capital of Segrià
Galindo brought his vision to the streets of Lleida with the performance ‘Fruita amarga’, where he spent a night outdoors on a large crate of nectarines. This action was not only an artistic act, but a powerful denunciation of the living conditions of the nearly 40,000 temporary workers who arrive each year for the sweet fruit harvest. The labor abuses and precariousness they face are a reflection of the systemic injustices that urgently need to be addressed.
Anti-Racist Feminism as a Tool for Transformation
Reflection on the invisibility of migrant women in the agricultural sector is complex. The Department of Equality and Feminism of Catalonia has commissioned a study to investigate the context of this situation. However, visibility alone will not solve the problems; it is an issue of power and post-colonial relations that requires structural change.
Labor Rights and Irregularities
Two key issues emerge from this debate: the administrative irregularity that particularly affects women with dependent children, and the circular migration contracts that perpetuate a dynamic of rights violations. The proposal of the ILP Regularization Already could be a crucial step to change this reality.
Mapping a Future of Militancy
Migrant women are faced with the challenge of reconciling the fight against patriarchy with the anti-racist fight. How can we build a future where their voice is truly heard and has an impact in public spaces? It is a path that requires joint work and a deep analysis of the violations they suffer.
Associative Initiatives as an Engine of Change
Associationism led by migrant women has been essential in the fight for their dignity. Projects that address issues such as access to housing or labor inequality have created a space for dialogue and social change. However, the lack of resources and administrative control are obstacles that must be overcome.
The Need for a Radical Approach
Administrations must evolve towards a perspective that not only seeks to integrate, but also recognizes and guarantees rights. Migrant women deserve to play an active role in politics, and this requires a radicalization of legislative initiatives and a change in power dynamics.
Towards a Model of Self-Determination
Catalonia has the capacity to be an example of social transformation. It is time to build a model that prioritizes the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of their origin. The associative fabric must be an agent of change, free from the dependence and bureaucracy that limit its action.
Final Reflection
The fight for social justice and gender equality is a path full of challenges, but it is a path that must be traveled. Only through collective action and firm commitment can we build a future where migrant women’s voices are an integral part of the social and political fabric.
