By Carole Schor
An Art Installation for International Women’s Month presented by Katie Van Doren
Ser Mujer SMA (www.sermujersma.com) is proud to present “The Days Without Women: Honoring the Stolen,” (El día Sin Mujeres: Oración por las Desaparecidas), an art installation by Katie Van Doren, throughout March, International Women’s History Month.
The exhibit, a compilation of over 100 photos and women’s stories, an original painting by Ms. Van Doren, and an installation of red dresses representing the murdered and disappeared women, will be shown at the Van Doren Metal Art Gallery in the Fabrica Aurora, with a featured opening on March 5 from 5-7 PM.
According to Amnesty International, in 2020 alone 3,723 killings of women were registered in Mexico, or approximately ten women each day. Femicide and the disappearance of women and young girls has been rampant in Mexico for decades.
The national statistics agency’s (INEGI) surveys show that two-thirds (66%) of women in Mexico have experienced some form of abuse or violence. These numbers have risen 30% during the pandemic as more families are forced to stay at home. Despite these statistics, the budgets for safe shelters and the National Institute for Women (INMUJERES) have been severely cut back and delayed.
In recent years, a growing feminist movement has struggled to bring awareness to this problem, only to be ignored and dismissed by the Mexican government, which has been unwilling to take action to stop these crimes. Ser Mujer is San Miguel’s only organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and the fight against domestic violence, abuse and femicide.
Katie Van Doren is the co-owner of the Van Doren Gallery and serves on the board of Ser Mujer. She is an activist and art psychotherapist who has been recognized for her photography, which captures the struggle and strength at the heart of the human experience by giving voice to those who have previously been forced to remain silent.
Her early intervention work to prevent violence against women is promoted here in San Miguel through Ser Mujer’s community programs. Her goal is to elevate the voices of unheard women and girls who have been victims of violence.
Katie’s collection of photos and stories depict the lives and women in rural, impoverished Mexican communities, as well as photos and stories from women and children around the world, as the victimization and murder of women is a global epidemic.
Ser Mujer, for the 8th year, will be presenting programs of art, music and film throughout the month of March to raise awareness of women’s issues across cultures, highlight the global struggles of women and honor their accomplishments and contributions. For more information, please see the Ser Mujer website, www.sermujersma.com or our Facebook page.
Art Installation
The Days Without Women: Honoring the Stolen
Fri, Mar 5, 5pm
Van Doren Gallery
Fabrica La Aurora
FREE
