International Day of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women

International Day of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women, July 25th Latin America is home to 130 million African Americans, of which 51% are women. Afro-descendant people generally face racial discrimination and marginalization resulting from historical events, such as slavery and colonialism, but Afro-descendant women face double discrimination because of their gender. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer objectification and sexualization, as well as physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. In addition, they have less access to quality education, employment, housing, and healthcare.

On July 25th, 1992, 300 Afro-descendant women from 32 Latin American and Caribbean countries met in the Dominican Republic. They reviewed their struggles and challenges, formed partnerships to overcome racism from a gender perspective, and defined advocacy strategies for visibility and recognition of the contributions of Afro-descendant women to culture and society. They founded the La Red de Mujeres Afro-Latinoamericanas, Afro-Caribena, y de la Diaspora (RMAAD – Network of Afro-Latin American and Afro-Caribbean Women of the Diaspora) and the International Day of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women. Since that pivotal summit, the International Day of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women has been celebrated annually throughout Latin America, the US, and Spain. It aims to recognize and shed light on the history of the struggle of Afro-descendant women and to celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of afro-descendant women in their homes, communities, and countries. It is also a day to highlight the existing racism in various areas of society, including politics, law, science, arts, and sports, and to urge politicians and decision-makers to pass laws that prohibit, prevent, and eliminate all racial abuse and discrimination act against Afro-descendants, women, and LGBTI people. On the day, the RMAAD collaborates with human rights organizations to celebrate the event in various forms, such as the Marcha das Negras e Indigenas (March of Black and Indigenous Women) in Brazil. You can join the festivities by participating in an event close to your home or organizing one for your community. Learn about prominent Afro-descendant women in your area, visit sites related to them and their history, and share their stories and your experiences on social media using #InternationalAfricanDiasporaWomensDay or #internationalafrolatinamericanafrocaribbeananddiasporawomensday.