Valeria Márquez, TikTok Influencer, Shot Dead During Live Stream in Mexico
The tragic death of Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer, has cast a spotlight on the escalating issue of violence against women in Mexico. Márquez was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream at her beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, on May 14, 2025. Prior to the attack, she had expressed concerns about a suspicious delivery, which was later revealed to be a gift from a friend. The incident has been classified as a femicide, underscoring the persistent gender-based violence in the country. (elpais.com)
This event is a stark reminder of the broader crisis of violence against women in Mexico. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico, along with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, has one of the highest femicide rates in the region, at 1.3 deaths per 100,000 women in 2023. (reuters.com)
The National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH) reveals that 34.7% of women in Mexico have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, and 49.7% have faced sexual violence. These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of gender-based violence across the nation. (wola.org)
In response to this crisis, the Mexican government has initiated various measures, including constitutional reforms aimed at reducing the gender pay gap and enhancing political representation for women. However, challenges persist, such as budget cuts affecting support services for victims of domestic violence. Activists have expressed concerns that these setbacks may undermine progress in addressing gender-based violence. (reuters.com)
The Ni Una Menos movement, which originated in Argentina, has gained traction in Mexico, advocating for the eradication of gender-based violence and femicide. The movement has organized numerous demonstrations and strikes, including a significant nationwide strike on March 9, 2020, where women refrained from participating in work, school, and public life to protest the lack of government action on these issues. (en.wikipedia.org)
The tragic death of Valeria Márquez serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat violence against women in Mexico. It underscores the importance of effective law enforcement, support systems for victims, and societal change to address the deep-rooted issues contributing to gender-based violence.