As our time in Nicaragua comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on common themes throughout the various meetings and presentations we have attended. One thing that definitely stuck out to us was the positive conversation, both formally and informally, regarding domestic violence and the effort to keep Nicaraguan women safe. Nicaragua has a long history of a lack of rights for women, but it seems as though this could be changing soon. Mentioned several times in different presentations is Law 779, which was passed this previous year. Law 779 was written to better protect women in Nicaragua from domestic violence by instilling stricter law enforcement against domestic violence, and making the process for women claiming charges more comprehensive. Everyone appears to be pleased that this law was passed, but it is clear more work needs to be done. It is only May of this year, and already 30 women have been murdered since January. That’s more women killed than in several of the past years. We have realized as young women how privileged we are to live in the United States, where we have fair protection from violence and our rights are represented far better than in Nicaragua. This trip has definitely put a lot of issues we feel we have into perspective, and had made us appreciate the rights and privileges we have as Americans.
-Audrey & Krista
