Feminist approaches to disappearances: epistemologies of activism and resistance

This article provides an overview of the various issues highlighted in the feminist literature on disappearances, touching on intersectionality, emotional and social impacts, and the role of activism in seeking justice. It explores how feminist approaches offer a richer, more inclusive understanding of disappearances and their consequences, by highlighting the intersectional nature of this violence and by challenging the conventional narratives that overlook the roles of women both as victims and as key agents of resistance. In addition, it explores how feminist activists and scholars have pushed for more comprehensive approaches to justice that include not only legal reparation and support for families of the disappeared, but also emotional healing and collective memory. It also sheds light on how women’s activism invites us to question not only what we know about disappearances, but also how we conceptualise agency in contexts of violence and oppression. Ultimately, feminist frameworks not only highlight the unique burdens carried by women in the aftermath of enforced disappearances, but also underscore their vital role in both resistance and the pursuit of justice.