On 8 March 2017, 56 girls were locked in a classroom at their state-run children’s home just outside of Guatemala City, when a fire broke out. Only 15 girls survived the blaze. Four years later, no one has been sentenced for these crimes.
We speak to members of Ocho Tijax, a women’s group caring for the girls’ families and the survivors and fighting their case in the courts. We hear about the stigma they continue to face, through attacks and the destruction of their memorial, but also about their powerful campaign #NosDuelen56 (We Mourn the 56): a global cry for justice through art.
Vianney, the mother of Ashly Angelie Rodriguez Hernandez, who lost her life in the fire, tells us about her ongoing battle for accountability for her daughter's death.
TW: This episode contains references to death and abuse and one instance of strong language.
Women Resisting Violence is presented by Renata Peppl and produced by Louise Morris.
Made through a partnership with King's College London and the Latin America Bureau.
Featuring music by Rebeca Lane.
Dubbed by Cecilia Cruz, Alma Carballo, Esmeralda Lobos and Larisa Muñoz
This episode is also available in Spanish, and a Portuguese transcription can be found on our website.
This podcast hopes to influence policy around gendered violence and highlight the lessons and voices of those working on the frontline - we’d be grateful if you could add a review and share it widely to help us achieve this.
Please follow us and spread the word using #WomenResistingViolence
Tw: @LatAmB Insta: @latinamericabureau
Head to wrv.org.uk for more information about the project and follow the collective at facebook.com/8tijax.
Get in touch: wrv@lab.org.uk
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account held at King’s College London.