The Importance of Including a Gender-Based Perspective when Dealing with the Past: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Committed During the Franco Dictatorship in Spain
The Importance of Including a Gender-Based Perspective when Dealing with the Past: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Committed During the Franco Dictatorship in Spain

Summary/Abstract: Sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls is not a new phenomenon, on the contrary, it was an important part in most, if not all, armed conflicts. Despite increased international attention to gender dimensions of conflict and authoritarian regimes, attention to the rights violations affecting women, especially those facing multiple forms of discrimination, have yet to be integrated into many transitional justice processes in practice. This article uses the case of Spain and the supplemental complaint submitted in Argentina by Women´ Link Worldwide to illustrate the importance of including a gender-perspective when dealing with the past. During the Spanish Dictatorship (1939-1975) serious violations of human rights were committed that have never been investigated in Spain. Among the crimes suffered by women during tthis period of time could be mention sexual abuses and rapes; gendered acts of torture (based on the insults directed to women, the electric shocks to genitals and attacks to motherhood); children stealing; forced abortions; forced-education and purges with castor oil and public humiliation. Those crimes constitute grave international crimes and, as such, they have to be investigated.

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