Breaking barriers: Women's long struggle for a space of their own

The whole world will have its eyes on Magallanes. Our region has a deep history, a rich culture and a natural environment that not only inspires, but also invites science and reflection. What is achieved in this congress will set a precedent for future meetings of this type, impacting both tourism and the advancement of knowledge,” said Elia Simeone Ruiz.

There are no stories written about her, but the story of Elia Simeone Ruiz has tinges of a Cinderella story, although with an ending that is still being written. She was born in Punta Arenas, grew up in the emblematic population of 18 de Septiembre and studied at La Milagrosa school and the former Liceo de Niñas. At the end of high school, her future seemed limited to being a good housewife. The recent loss of her parents weighed heavily on her, and expectations did not go beyond what circumstances dictated. But fate had other plans.

After taking the Academic Aptitude Test, a friend revealed to her that her score was outstanding, opening doors she had never imagined. Encouraged by her brothers, she left her hometown and moved to Santiago in XXX to study journalism at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

What followed was a dizzying rise. For more than 17 years he worked at El Mercurio, signing shocking headlines and starring in front pages that marked the news agenda. He traveled the world, but in 2005 he decided to return to his roots. With three children, he returned to Punta Arenas, to the same newspaper where his father had been chief printer. Today, she holds the position of head of chronicle at La Prensa Austral, is global president of AMMPE World and has been chosen as one of 30 professionals to participate in the third edition of the “Women in the News” program, in collaboration with Google News Initiative and WIN Latam. This four-month intensive aims to strengthen women's leadership in journalism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Elia's mission is to transform journalism from the regions, betting on a renewing and decentralizing perspective that returns protagonism to the marginalized territories. A clear example of this is the AMMPE World Congress, which will be held from September 23 to 27 in Magallanes.

“In addition to the structural and cultural aspects, what bothers me most are the rumors, the lack of support and the backbiting that sometimes comes even from women themselves about their gender,” she lamented.

What are the main challenges faced by women journalists and writers in regions far from the capital cities?

“Women who live and work in remote regions, such as Magallanes, face constant isolation. The lack of support networks, events or spaces to make our work visible puts us at a disadvantage compared to those in the capital cities, where access to opportunities is much greater. Here, for example, the possibilities for professional growth, such as obtaining scholarships, participating in meetings or accessing publishing houses, are minimal. In addition, the work we do in the regions is often not valued as it should be, as if quality can only come from the big urban centers”.

In addition to the difficulties inherent in journalism or writing, do you think there is particular discrimination against women working in these areas?

“Absolutely. Women not only face a territorial barrier, but also gender discrimination. On many occasions, we are required to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, and if you add to that that you work from a remote region, it's as if your chances of success are reduced even more. Centralization and structural machismo are very present in our industries. In the capital cities it is easier to generate feminist networks or spaces where women promote their careers, but in the regions, the struggle is more solitary and with less visibility”.

Speaking of visibility, how does this lack of exposure affect women's work in remote territories?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”. “It affects us directly. The lack of networks and spaces for visibility generates a vicious circle: by not having opportunities to show our work, it becomes invisible and, therefore, we are not considered for important projects or recognition. Women in the regions are left out of the conversation, even though we do quality work. There is an erroneous perception that everything relevant happens in the big cities, which is unfair for those of us who carry out our careers in remote areas”.

This world congress is being held in Magallanes, a territory far from the capital. What importance do you give to this event in the struggle to reduce the gaps?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”.“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”.

Do you think these collaborative spaces can help reduce structural inequalities?

“Without a doubt. Collaborative spaces allow us to break out of isolation, open doors to new opportunities and give us the possibility to learn from other women who have lived similar experiences. Networking is fundamental, and this congress is a big step in that direction. In the end, what we are looking for is that, regardless of whether you are in a capital city or in a corner of the world, you have the same opportunities for growth and that your work is valued equally.”

Elections in Europe and other parts of the world seem to be sending a clear message. Is democracy in danger?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”."That's right. Recent elections in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, as well as the U.S. presidential race, show us that democracy is not at its best. Authoritarian leaders like Putin have been re-elected in clearly controlled processes, with opponents exiled, killed or prevented from participating. In Venezuela, for example, Nicolás Maduro staged a shameful electoral robbery, marked by a lack of transparency and judicial repression against his opponents”.

Do you think this is also reflected in today's literature and journalism?

“Definitely. It is no coincidence that titles such as Democracy in Danger or The Twilight of Democracy are increasingly seen in recent columns and books. Even journalism faces great challenges, such as disinformation, loss of trust, political attacks and the crisis of the business model. Big tech companies play a major role in this, increasingly controlling the market through algorithms that precipitate the downfall of the media".

What do you think is driving this democratic backlash?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”."We are seeing a worrying trend. Both on the right, and on the left, there are populist leaders seeking to cling to power. There is a growing predisposition of people toward authoritarianism. As mentioned by authors such as Anne Applebaum, in times of uncertainty and information saturation, many people yearn for the order and security promised by populist leaders, which leads us to simplify complex problems and further polarize discourses".

Speaking of the situation of journalists, how is this affecting press freedom?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”."Unfortunately, press freedom is in decline. In 2023, there was an alarming increase in the number of journalists killed, especially in Gaza, where 70% of the reporters killed were covering the conflict. According to Reporters Without Borders, 2024 began with more than 500 journalists imprisoned for arbitrary reasons, with China, Burma, Burma and Burundi being the most recent countries to be imprisoned for arbitrary reasons. Moreover, cyberbullying is a new form of violence that especially affects women journalists".

Against this backdrop, what can be done to protect press freedom and democracy?

"It is essential to strengthen the media and journalists. We have to bet for an education that forms critical citizens and for an investigative journalism that confronts power and is a true watchdog. Democracy, although in retreat, still has hope. As Rosa Montero says, we cannot give up. We must act collectively to confront authoritarianism and revitalize confidence in democratic institutions and freedom of expression".

Finally, what message would you give to women who, from the regions, struggle to make a place for themselves in journalism or literature?

“The fact that the congress is being held in Magallanes has a very powerful symbolism. For the first time, we are saying that the regions are important, that the voices of women who work from remote places also count. This type of event not only makes our reality visible, but also creates spaces for exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is fundamental to strengthen networks. Conversations are taking place here that can change the course of the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive one, where we are not the ones who have to adapt to the centers, but rather that the centers recognize the value of the regions”.“My message is to persist. You are not alone, although sometimes it may seem so. Events like this congress show us that there is a community of women willing to support us, to make our work visible and to fight for a fairer industry. We must continue to promote our careers from our roots, with the conviction that our voices matter, without underestimating where we speak from. And as the tango says, we always return to the south”.