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Unsung heroines: 'Dones en lluita' illuminates women's fight for justice


Unsung heroines: 'Dones en lluita' illuminates women's fight for justice
Unsung heroines: 'Dones en lluita' illuminates women's fight for justice | Photo: Kenny Eliason

In a world striving towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, justice, and strong institutions, the narratives of women challenging systemic injustices are both inspiring and essential. The documentary series Dones en lluita (Women in Struggle), spearheaded by esteemed Catalan journalist Txell Feixas, brings to light six compelling stories of women who have transformed personal adversity into collective activism.


A tapestry of resilience and activism


Each episode of Dones en lluita delves into the lives of women confronting diverse forms of oppression:


·       Ana Rutilia Ical Choc: A Guatemalan lawyer dedicated to safeguarding Indigenous lands from exploitation by multinational corporations, including entities linked to prominent figures like Florentino Pérez.


·       Sophie Ndongo: Having rebelled against modern slavery as a domestic worker in Lebanon, she now aids others in escaping similar conditions.


·       Teodora Vásquez: After enduring imprisonment for having an abortion in El Salvador, she now shelters women accused under similar circumstances.


·       Sister Fa: A Senegalese rapper using her music to combat female genital mutilation, a practice she herself endured.


·       Samanta Randos: A single mother from Barcelona advocating for housing rights in Catalonia.


·       Zuhal Sherzad: A 21-year-old Afghan woman establishing underground schools and libraries for women following the Taliban's educational bans.


These narratives underscore the profound impact of grassroots activism in addressing systemic issues, aligning with global efforts to promote justice and strong institutions.

 



 

The journalist behind the documentary


Txell Feixas, a renowned Catalan journalist, has built a career on rigorous, courageous, and committed reporting. Born in Mediona in 1979, she holds a degree in Journalism from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She worked as a correspondent for the Catalan Audiovisual Media Corporation (CCMA) in Beirut until 2021, covering major events in the Middle East, economic crises, and humanitarian issues. Feixas has also reported from Washington, D.C., Greece, Ceuta, Morocco, Lebanon, and Mauritania, providing in-depth coverage of global events, including mass migrations, armed conflicts, and international summits.


Her dedication to highlighting women in conflict zones earned her the Best Practices in Non-Sexist Communication Award in 2020 from the Association of Women Journalists of Catalonia. In January 2024, the Government of Catalonia honoured her with the National Journalism and Media Award for her exemplary journalism. She is also the author of Dones valentes (Brave Women), published in 2020, which amplifies the voices of women confronting adversity worldwide.

 

 

Global context: Women's rights movements


The significance of these individual stories is magnified when viewed against the backdrop of global women's rights movements. For instance, the 1995 NGO Forum on Women in Huairou, China, saw approximately 30,000 women from 180 countries convene to discuss pressing issues such as violence against women and reproductive rights. This landmark gathering culminated in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic blueprint for gender equality.


More recently, International Women's Day continues to serve as both a celebration and a call to action. In 2025, protests across Europe, Africa, and South America highlighted demands for equal pay, reproductive rights, education, justice, and decision-making roles. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasizes the urgency in safeguarding and advancing women's rights amid evolving political climates.


Statistical insights: Progress and challenges


Despite notable advancements, challenges persist in achieving gender parity. As of 2021, women constitute only 25% of national parliamentarians globally, a modest increase from 11% in 1995. Furthermore, women hold just 21% of ministerial positions worldwide, with only 14 countries achieving 50% or more women in cabinets.


In the realm of education, disparities remain pronounced. For instance, in Afghanistan, girls' primary completion rates surged from 8% in 2000 to 56% in 2020. However, the gender gap persists, with some provinces reporting as low as 1% completion rates for girls in 2015.


The imperative of global collaboration


Addressing these entrenched issues necessitates robust global collaboration. The Global Society plays a pivotal role in fostering initiatives that promote sustainability, economic equality, environmental protection, and climate action. By sharing resources, knowledge, and support, nations and communities can work synergistically towards a more equitable future.


Dones en lluita not only amplifies the voices of courageous women but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equality and justice. Their stories inspire collective action and underscore the importance of continued efforts to achieve the SDGs. As the Global Society confronts evolving challenges, unwavering commitment to these goals remains paramount.




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