El Salvador hosts Huellas de Ausencia – a stirring exhibition on femicide and gender-based violence

In a powerful initiative to raise awareness about extreme violence towards women and girls and entrenched gender inequalities, UNFPA hosted the Huellas de Ausencia exhibition in El Salvador. The aim was to expose the harrowing realities of femicide and gender-based violence while drawing greater attention to the urgent need for societal change.

The exhibit delved into the impact of femicide, recognizing it as the most severe form of gender-based violence and a systematic violation of human rights. Huellas de Ausencia explored the impact on the women targeted, their families, and the broader communities they came from. The exhibition goes beyond showcasing the issue and instead urges participants to take collective action to eradicate gender-based violence, through driving awareness and highlighting the importance of quality and timely care.

Key messages echoing through the halls

Visitors were confronted with the stark reality that the repercussions of gender-based violence extend beyond the direct victims, affecting children and dependents who become more exposed to risks and are more emotionally vulnerable.

The exhibition provided an opportunity to empathize with how the families of victims of femicide are feeling, and how the loss of their relative has affected their own lives. For example, on display was an image of María Irma Vega de Bonilla, the mother of Rosa Maria, who was killed at the age of 45 by her life partner. Maria Irma recalled how her daughter loved to organize all the family parties and games, saying, “My life is no longer the same without you”.

The exhibition's success lies in its foundation – in the personal testimonies, in its itinerant nature, and through alliances with institutions such as the Ministry of Culture and the Francisco Gavidia University, which provided access to low-cost venues.

Tailored experiences

Acknowledging the diverse interests and backgrounds of its audience, at the Huellas de Ausencia it is also possible to join a curated gathering, accompanied by a guide. This ensures that participants can more deeply engage with the messages shared with the various images on display. In addition, a psychologist facilitated the visits and held educational activities for women and adolescent girls who attended, to deconstruct gender norms and myths around gender-based violence, and also share information on how to prevent it at an early stage.

Strategic partnership with Takeda

This initiative is a part of UNFPA’s global programme Women at the Centre, which is supported by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, showcasing a shared dedication to addressing social issues and promoting positive change.

Women at the Centre supports survivors of gender-based violence through quality case management in Azerbaijan, El Salvador, Indonesia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Case management is strengthened through investment in capacity-building and training social service workers, which helps to ensure that front-line responders are equipped to provide immediate support for all women and girls at risk of violence, including the most marginalized, and to foster community trust and mitigate further risks.