Mujeres Habitadas will conduct a campaign, “Street Art for a Life Without Violence,” to raise awareness about violence against women in Argentina.

Why we care: Last year in rural Córdoba province, Argentina, a woman died from gender-based violence every 22 days.

How we’re solving this: Launching a campaign of street art and theatrical performances every 22 days to rally communities around ending gender-based violence.

It is estimated that 50 percent of women in Argentina will face violence at some point in their lives. Women between 25 and 40 years old are at the highest risk, and non-governmental organizations estimate that violent behavior takes place in one out of five relationships. Laws intending to protect women are inconsistently implemented across Argentina. For instance, some survivors of violence receive welfare assistance while others, particularly in rural areas, do not. Women’s shelters also do not exist in many rural communities. Additionally, violence against women is a main cause of death for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) persons. LBT individuals often cannot access social and medical services due to high levels of discrimination and stigma.

Mujeres Habitadas will conduct a public campaign, “Street Art for a Life Without Violence,” to raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against women in Argentina. Coordinated public awareness activities will demand that the government implement comprehensive services to prevent violence and ensure that services do not discriminate against survivors. The campaign will take place in 15 cities and rural regions, mainly in the poor sectors of Córdoba province, one of the provinces with the highest rates of femicide in the country.

At least 10 women’s groups and organizations will coordinate diverse activities across the region, including community-led street murals and theatrical performances followed by debates in public spaces. Activities will encourage Argentinians to question stereotypes and dispel myths that justify gender-based violence, revealing the daily patriarchal attitudes and practices that uphold derogatory views of women and LBT persons. Over 1,000 people will assist in coordination and facilitation of action campaigns. At the same time, women’s groups will leverage their social networks to share audiovisual materials and a collectively designed logo and campaign slogan to reach thousands of people.

Mujeres Habitadas understands that art is a powerful tool to inspire communities to join together to create a world where the right to a life without violence can be a reality for all.