Becky G's songs make us dance, but they also make us think. Through her lyrics, the Latina artist with Mexican roots reflects on the role of women in society, feminist empowerment, and the fight for a more equitable world.
Women's History Month is an invitation to reflect on the importance of working to ensure the end of all discriminatory practices against girls and women, eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, fight for their full participation in society and decision-making positions, and grant them full and equal rights.
According to UN data, 1 in 5 women and girls, including 19% of women and girls aged 15 to 49, have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in the past 12 months. However, in 49 countries there are no laws specifically protecting women against such violence.
Globally, 750 million women and girls were married before the age of 18 and at least 200 million women and girls in 30 countries were subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM).
In 18 countries, husbands can still legally prevent their wives from working, and in 39 countries, daughters and sons do not have equal inheritance rights.
Although great progress has been made and women have reached 25.5% representation in national parliaments, we are still far from parity and much work remains to be done.
That's why, during Women's Month, we invited one of the world's most committed Latina artists to the cause, Becky G, to answer some questions in an exclusive video for Global Citizen.
“As we celebrate women this month, I think it’s very important to also recognize the importance of gender equality and also bring awareness to violence against women,” she said. We all have a responsibility to use our voice. Use it.”
When asked why she decided to take action on gender equality through her art, Becky G said:
“There are many ways to bring awareness to these issues. For me, personally, it’s dedicating my platform to the greater good, using my platform to elevate the voices of others and sharing their stories. It’s very personal for me, indeed."
This renowned Latina artist, who usually prefers the Spanish language to sing and communicate with her community, is also a Global Citizen supporter who joined us for our documentary series, ACTIVATE: The Global Citizen Movement, from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble and co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia.
For the first episode of the series in 2019, Becky G traveled to Mexico with Global Citizen to meet with the founders of Vida Nueva, a women-run cooperative located in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca. Vida Nueva offers many women the opportunity to empower themselves and live a life out of poverty and with equal rights.
Founded by Pastora Asunción Gutiérrez Reyes, the members of Vida Nueva weave tapetes, a type of local hand-woven wool rug, and sell them for a living.
During the episode, Becky G shared great moments with the women of the community, passionate entrepreneurs who live their cooperative from pure creation and maximum creativity, transmitted through the knowledge their predecessors have left them as a legacy.
“I have joined Global Citizen to fight for a world where #SheIsEqual,” Becky G posted on Instagram after her visit. I spent time in Teotitlán Del Valle. A beautiful, proud, indigenous, Mexican Pueblito. This experience connected me to my roots & was such a blessing. I had the honor of meeting the ‘Vida Nueva’ collective. These women are VERY passionate about what they’ve created together.
“They work & spend countless hours every day to create these beautiful, handmade, traditional pieces of art with such strong cultural meaning,” she continued. “Yet, because of government laws & discrimination, their business struggles to reach its fullest potential. They continue to fight, believe, and overcome these obstacles every day. To me, they are a true testament to what can happen when women come together and when we support the women around us.”
Click here to learn more about Vida Nueva's initiative. You can watch Becky G's episode of ACTIVATE here.