Social Issues

Women in Costa Rica say gender violence is a national emergency

San Jose, Apr 22 (EFE).- Feminist organizations marched in this capital Saturday to demand that Costa Rica’s government declare a national emergency over rising violence against women.

Participants gathered at the Fuente de la Hispanidad fountain in San Jose, a traditional venue for protests.

“This is an appeal to the conscience and the authorities of the country, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, because they are not taking into account the gender protocols when it comes time to sentence the men who have murdered women and girls,” protest organizer Kattia Lopez Alvarado told EFE.

Demonstrators carried signs referring to a case involving the April 9 kidnapping of a 9-month-old baby, who remains missing, and the plight of the child’s 13-year-old mother.

A man with the surname Cassasola is in custody and police revealed that a DNA test showed that he is the baby’s father, leading to his being charged with rape.

“We are trying to generate consciousness of gender, because together we are more united and we can do anything,” Lopez said. “If all of us unite we will topple the barriers of the patriarchy. Costa Rica seems to be a country of peace and democracy, but we know that a great majority doesn’t live that way.” EFE mjb/dr

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