10 SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN COLOMBIA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Among the social movements in Colombia, those who reject racism, the movements of the LGTB community or the labor movements in defense of labor rights have stood out.

Other recurring themes are human rights and their precarious situation, women's rights, discrimination based on sexual orientation, the situation of minorities (such as aboriginal groups), the situation of the elderly and the education system.

Many of these movements have achieved important goals. For example, feminist movements managed to get women's suffrage approved in Colombia in 1954.

Likewise, the movements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community made same-gender marriage legal.

Other movements have not been as successful. For example, despite the demonstrations against racial discrimination, there are still certain prejudices towards the Colombian Afro-descendant population. This represents a violation of human rights.

For its part, the situation of the elderly continues to be precarious, despite the government's efforts to improve the living conditions of this group of the population.

List of social movements in Colombia

Movements against racism

In Colombia, various movements have been carried out in order to eliminate existing prejudices against the Afro-descendant population of the country. There is even a date on which Afro-Colombian Day is celebrated (May 21 of each year).

In 2015, one of the most prominent actions on integration and against racism was carried out. The movement, called "The hour against racism," was held throughout the national territory and created a space for reflection and awareness regarding the inclusion of the country's black population.

For this, talks and educational courses were given in which information was offered on the history of Afro-descendants in Colombia, the contributions that this culture has made to the country and the social situation faced by this group.

2- Movements of the LGBT community

The movements of the Colombian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community began in the 20th century.

However, it took until 2005 for the government to include this group in Colombian legislation. Until now, the law stated that marital unions could only be between a man and a woman.

Thanks to the movements in favor of the visibility of LGBT groups, the Colombian Congress modified Law 54 and established that marital union is between “parties”. By using this term, previously existing restrictions are removed.

The fight in defense of the rights of the Colombian LGBT community continues to this day. For example, in 2016 the Constitutional Court legalized same-sex marriage.

3- Labor movement

The labor movement is one of the most constant not only in Colombia, but in all of Latin America, since the workers constantly demand that a state of equity be achieved between the working class and the ruling class.

In this sense, it could be said that it is a historical struggle. In fact, there are data that corroborate this claim.

For example, in 1912, Colombian workers on the Antioquia railroad protested in order to obtain medical assistance and a more appropriate salary. This social movement took shape with the strike of the train drivers and the railway firemen.

4- Feminist movements

Like the workers' struggle, in Latin America the women's movements began in the 20th century. In Colombia, one of the first feminist protests on record occurred in 1920, when workers at a factory in Antioquia went on strike to get a wage increase.

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the feminist movement was particularly active. The center of these protests was the request for basic civil rights, such as voting. Finally, in 1954, Colombian President Rojas Pinilla legalized women's suffrage.

5- Movements in favor of pension reform

In Colombia, various movements have been carried out with the objective of producing a pension reform that offers greater benefits to the elderly.

As a result, programs have been created that protect this part of the population. Such is the case of the "Colombia Mayor" project.

However, by 2017, only 23% of the country's elderly population received a pension. This figure is alarming and is expected to drop to 18% in the next decade, representing a much more serious social problem.

6- Human rights movements

Colombia is one of the countries that has the greatest problems in terms of the violation of human rights. For this reason, in the last decade various campaigns and protests have been carried out to make this situation visible. However, many of these have been repressed by government bodies.

7- Movements for the victims of armed conflicts

One of the most relevant movements of the 21st century is the movement for the victims of armed conflicts, people whose basic rights were violated.

These movements seek to vindicate the rights of victims (if possible) and offer compensation to relatives.

8- Movements in defense of street dwellers

Since the beginning of the 21st century, reforms have been sought in the laws that protect indigent people in Colombia.

In 2012, these initiatives were realized when the government of the country proposed a project to benefit the indigent.

This project planned to rehabilitate street dwellers, offer them food and access to health and personal hygiene services and prepare them so that they can be active in a labor field. All this in order to reintegrate these people into society.

9- Movements in defense of aboriginal groups

Since the arrival of the Spanish to the American continent, the aborigines have been victims of prejudice. Stereotypical views lead these groups to be seen as wild or culturally retarded.

However, since the end of the 20th century there have been movements to claim their rights. One of the greatest achievements in the area is the insertion of the aborigines in political life.

10- Student movements

Since 2010, the social movement of students has gained visibility. These groups seek to improve the conditions of educational institutions in the country, mainly universities.

Articles of interest

Colombia's social problems.

Social movements in Mexico.

References

1. Black social movements in contemporary Colombia. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from base.dph.info
2. Colombia. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from latinamericansocialmovements.org
3. Colombia. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from libya360.wordpress.com
4. Guerrillas and social moves in Colombia. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from redflag.org.uk
5. Human Rights in Colombia in 10 numbers. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from amnesty.org
6. Perspectives of social movements in Latin America. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from uexternado.edu.co
7. Social Movement Contention in Colombia. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from link.springer.com