Femicide – the murder of women on the grounds of their gender – has featured ever more prominently on the social and political agenda in recent years. Although this focus may seem relatively new, the fight against femicide is not. A historical perspective can shed light on this. Atria is investigating how the fight against femicide has developed since the 1970s, which organisations and activists were involved, and what lessons this history offers for the current social and political debate.
Femicide – the murder of women on the grounds of their gender – has featured ever more prominently on the social and political agenda in recent years. Although this focus may seem relatively new, the fight against femicide is not. A historical perspective can shed light on this. Atria is investigating how the fight against femicide has developed since the 1970s, which organisations and activists were involved, and what lessons this history offers for the current social and political debate.
Drawing on archives, publications, images and campaign material, the research reconstructs how the issues of the murder of women and femicide have been discussed over time, and how feminist organisations and activists have raised awareness of the subject. Atria holds a rich collection of sources on women’s gender equality, including publications on the murder of women and femicide, as well as archives from organisations and individuals who worked on this issue. Of particular value are the archives of the Blijf Groep and local ‘Blijf van m’n Lijf’ shelters.
The research charts the history of feminist resistance to femicide and makes it accessible to a wide audience. The findings will be shared via a research article, a (digital) timeline, a leporello and other public-facing presentations. In addition, the research contributes to a better description and accessibility of Atria’s collection, making it easier to find sources on femicide and other forms of gender-based violence.
Who (from Atria) is currently involved in this research?
Maya Declich ( researcher)
Eline van Miert (researcher and communications officer)
