Why is Argentina Still so Sexist?
Despite women’s progress in Argentine politics, society there has remained resolutely macho. This summer thousands took to the streets to protest.
Tens of thousands of people have marched in Buenos Aires and elsewhere in outrage at the astonishing frequency with which women are being killed in Argentina - the vast majority at the hands of their partners or former partners. Violence directed at women and girls is at the extreme end of the scale. But the protesters believe it grows out of the 'machista' culture - where men have to be macho, and women have to do as they are told.
In many ways, Argentina is not a special case - we could, perhaps, ask the same question of many nations. But this week The Inquiry is focusing on Argentina because the protests started an urgent debate inside the country about why women are seen as disposable. And, also because the most powerful office in the land is held by a woman - Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner - twice elected president. Why is this power not trickling down? Why is Argentina still so sexist?
(Photo: Argentina Femicide Demo. Credit: Getty Images)
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Sep 201502:06GMTBBC World Service Online & UK DAB/Freeview only
- Tue 15 Sep 201503:06GMTBBC World Service South Asia & East Asia only
- Tue 15 Sep 201504:06GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Tue 15 Sep 201505:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Tue 15 Sep 201506:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa
- Tue 15 Sep 201512:06GMTBBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean & Australasia
- Tue 15 Sep 201513:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Tue 15 Sep 201516:06GMTBBC World Service except Online, East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Tue 15 Sep 201521:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 19 Sep 201523:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sun 20 Sep 201502:06GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Sun 20 Sep 201504:06GMTBBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean
- Sun 20 Sep 201513:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
Podcast
![]()
The Inquiry
The Inquiry explores the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world

