ARGENTINA: Argentina’s presidential election campaign is drawing attention to abortion access and women’s rights, igniting heated discussions in a nation known for leading advancements in reproductive rights in Latin America.
The leading candidate in the election, economist Javier Milei, is against abortion and proposes a referendum to reconsider the 2020 legalisation of abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy. He also advocates for the closure of the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity, which he characterises as a form of “affirmative action” that he believes is demeaning to women.
His closest competitors are the current Peronists’ Sergio Massa, the minister of economy, and the most well-known female candidate, Patricia Bullrich, the conservative former minister of security. Although she would close the women’s ministry, she would maintain the status quo on immigration regulations.
Milei’s position has sparked concerns among feminists about the potential reversal of women’s rights progress in recent years. However, it has also garnered him support from young Argentine men who feel marginalised and conservative female voters.
Milei, who unexpectedly won an open primary in August, is enjoying strong support from voters who are frustrated with a 124% inflation rate, a challenging cost of living situation, and increasing poverty. He has expressed his intention to engage in a “cultural struggle” against socialism and feminism.
Eugenia Rolon, a social media influencer who actively supports Milei’s campaign and holds anti-feminist views, argued that policies aimed at assisting women were “discriminatory.”
“They ridicule the women who are part of the movement by, for example, demanding that women have public office by quota. A woman should not be in power because she is a woman; she should be in public office because of her suitability and her capacity,” said Rolon.
Milei’s outspoken views, along with the views of his supporters, have provoked strong opposition. In late September, women in Buenos Aires marched to commemorate International Safe Abortion Day. Some participants held signs critical of Milei and in support of abortion rights.
Many of them donned green attire and waved green handkerchiefs, reminiscent of earlier protests that played a role in the 2020 legal changes and are often referred to as the “green wave.” Nelly Borquez, a feminist activist, stated, “Milei is another example of the patriarchy that wants to reverse our rights. But he is going to find us back out on the streets.”
Milei’s support primarily consists of over 60% male voters, as indicated by a Taquion Research poll. However, he has managed to garner some female supporters and has prominent women on his team, including his sister and campaign adviser, Karina, and his running mate, Victoria Villarruel.
Valentina Brites, an 18-year-old law student, said “Javier doesn’t hate women” during a March in his favour, echoing his perspective that women are already empowered and do not need a specific ministry. She said, “The laws are there to protect us, and there’s no need for a ministry to represent us.”
Milei’s critics argue that he overlooks the presence of gender violence and discrimination in Argentina, where statistics show that a woman was tragically killed every 35 hours last year and women earn 27% less than men.
Argentina has been at the forefront of progressive initiatives for gender equality and LGBT rights in the region. In 1991, it became the first Latin American country to enact a gender quota law in politics, and in 2010, it legalised same-sex marriage.
“This is not by magic,” Mazzina stated, adding that the advancement of events was sustained by the governments’ dedication to eliminating the gender gap. She believed Milei would be a major setback, but Massa would keep things going. “Where would these women ask for help? Where would they knock on the door?”
Silvia Lospennato, who is in charge of Bullrich’s gender policy, stated that in addition to eliminating bureaucracy, Bullrich would close the women’s ministry and give priority to femicide prevention, closing the gender wage gap, and enhancing women’s healthcare.
Lospennato, a congresswoman representing the conservative PRO party, stated that Bullrich’s approach strikes a balance between Milei’s anti-feminist stance and the government’s excessively bureaucratic model.
“To improve the lives of Argentines, we have to improve the lives of Argentine women. We are half of the population, and we have specific problems that need specific solutions,” Lospennato continued.
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