Broken and Reconstructed Voices: Decolonial Feminism and the Rewriting of History through Black and Latin American Women

Intellectuals such as Angela Davis, Lélia Gonzalez, and María Lugones have shed light on how patriarchy and colonialism have intertwined to form structures of domination. Through their works and the commitment of Afro-Latin American activists, an invitation emerges to radically rethink history, intertwining voices and perspectives that expand and transform conventional narratives. This rewriting of history is not merely about representation; it becomes an act of social justice aimed at dismantling oppressive hierarchies and making visible the experiences and contributions of these women.

The recovery of marginalized female voices is essential for a deeper understanding of society. Integrating these experiences into historical and cultural narratives allows for an exploration of how women have acted as protagonists in movements for civil and social rights. For instance, Angela Davis, in her book *Women, Race, & Class* (1981), examines how women of color played a central role in the suffrage movement, highlighting the intersection of gender, race, and class.

Latin American women, in particular, have contributed to feminism and social critique through a decolonial approach. María Lugones, a philosopher and decolonial theorist, has delved into the idea of "coloniality of gender," showing how the European patriarchal system has inflicted a double oppression on indigenous and Black women in the Americas. Lugones critiques the power structures that oppose female and male bodies in a dichotomous and patriarchal view of society, emphasizing the importance of an intersectional reading.

Another fundamental contribution comes from Brazilian intellectual Lélia Gonzalez, who highlighted how racism and sexism intersect to oppress Afro-Brazilian women. In her work, Gonzalez underscores the resilience and commitment of Black women in the fight for visibility and dignity. These paths of emancipation and struggle against injustice are also reflected in the literary voice of Rigoberta Menchú, an indigenous activist from Guatemala, whose book *Me llamo Rigoberta Menchú y así me nació la conciencia* (1983) recounts the atrocities suffered by her community, offering a personal and political perspective on how coloniality has influenced the lives of native peoples.

Similarly, the work of bell hooks, in *Ain’t I a Woman?* (1981), examines the double oppression faced by African American women, often overlooked in mainstream feminist movements. Hooks insists that the Black female experience is central to understanding the complex relationships between gender, race, and class, and to building an inclusive social critique.

Feminist critiques of patriarchal dominance aim not only for greater representation; they are powerful tools for social transformation, aimed at dismantling oppressive hierarchies. In this context, feminist proposals are enriched by decolonial perspectives, which embrace a plurality of voices that recognize the diverse experiences among women. It is also necessary to question how these women are represented in the media and popular culture. Laura Mulvey, in *Visual and Other Pleasures* (1989), analyzes how traditional cinema constructs visual narratives that objectify women, suggesting the need to revisit models of representation.

To build a more equitable society, it is crucial to expand historical and social narratives to include the experiences of Black and Latin American women and minorities. Only through critical analysis and the valorization of diverse voices can we hope for a world where every individual has the right to be heard, respected, and represented.

### **Bibliography**

- Davis, Angela. *Women, Race, & Class*. Random House, 1981.

- hooks, bell. *Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism*. South End Press, 1981.

- Menchú, Rigoberta. *Me llamo Rigoberta Menchú y así me nació la conciencia*. Siglo XXI, 1983.

- Gonzalez, Lélia. *Por um feminismo afrolatinoamericano*. Casa de Cultura da Mulher Negra, 1988.

- Lugones, María. *Coloniality of Gender*. Duke University Press, 2007.

- Mulvey, Laura. *Visual and Other Pleasures*. Palgrave Macmillan, 1989.