In a poignant act of solidarity, Peruvian photographer Ana Elisa Sotelo captured a powerful moment in March 2023, where women gathered in the waters off Lima’s shores to protest the rising tide of femicides in their country. This evocative photograph, titled “Women’s Circle,” encapsulates the raw emotions of anger, sisterhood, and resilience as participants kicked and screamed in a cathartic display of unity against gender violence.
A Call to Action
The initiative stemmed from a heartbreaking wave of femicides that gripped Lima, prompting Sotelo to reach out to women through social media, inviting them to swim in a collective act of defiance. “I wanted to create a space where women could express their fury and solidarity in the face of violence,” Sotelo explained. The call resonated widely, leading to the formation of a WhatsApp group where participants could communicate discreetly about the event.
To ensure a safe environment free from male observers, details of the gathering were kept under wraps until the last moment. On the day of the event, participants convened at Playa Agua Dulce, one of Lima’s most frequented beaches, just before dawn. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and purpose.
An Act of Defiance
As the sun began to rise, Sotelo introduced three women who volunteered to patrol the waters on paddleboards, ensuring the safety of those swimming. The instructions were simple yet profound: swim out, remove your swimsuit in the water, and form a circle. The act of shedding clothing became a symbolic gesture of vulnerability and empowerment.
The photograph captures a scene of euphoria and liberation as the women embraced their nudity, coming together to form a circle—an emblem of solidarity against the backdrop of a society that often silences their voices. “The kicking and screaming occurred naturally,” Sotelo remarked, emphasising the authenticity of the moment.
For twenty minutes, the women swam freely, their laughter and cries echoing through the crisp morning air. Upon returning to shore, the mood shifted to one of exhilaration, as participants rushed back to their daily lives, yet likely carrying a renewed sense of hope and connection.
A Dimming Urgency
Three years on, the world has grown even more daunting for women, with gender-based violence remaining a pressing issue across the globe. The urgency that once surrounded conversations about femicide and gender equality seems to have dissipated from public discourse. In reflecting on the event, Sotelo expressed concern: “If I were to make this call today, would women still come? Or has fear overshadowed solidarity?”
The question lingers, highlighting a troubling reality. Despite the bravery displayed during the initial gathering, the current climate surrounding discussions of gender violence raises doubts about whether such acts of defiance would still resonate as powerfully today.
Why it Matters
Sotelo’s “Women’s Circle” serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender violence and the importance of community in the fight for justice. It illustrates both the strength and vulnerability of women when they unite in defiance of oppression. While the image captures a fleeting moment of hope, it simultaneously underscores the urgent need for sustained dialogue and action. In a world where the voices of women are too often silenced, this photograph stands as a beacon of resilience, urging society not to forget the fight for equality and safety for all women.
