A protest against racism

The following is, unfortunately, an example of how people deal with racism and discrimination.

January 28th, 2007

LIMA (AFP) - Women dressed as domestic workers and men in security guard uniforms mobilize this Sunday at an exclusive beach resort in the south of Lima, in protest of the racism and abuses that workers say they suffer on these beaches.

The protesters of the so-called "bold employee" march will meet at three points in Lima and one in the district of Asia, 90 km south of Lima, on whose beaches they denounced racism and abuses against domestic workers.

The beaches of the Asia district have become in recent years the most frequented resort by the country's upper class.

Luxurious houses and exclusive shopping centers were built in that area, as well as nightclubs and restaurants, some of which, according to the organizers of the protest, do not allow the entry of blacks or people of indigenous traits.

In addition, non-residents of the place are prevented from entering the beaches, they add.

The domestic employees, mostly mestizo and with indigenous features, are discriminated against, their labor rights are violated, they are prohibited from meeting with each other and they cannot bathe on the beaches during the day and can only do so after sunset, pointed out the Association for Human Rights (Aprodeh), one of the organizers of the mobilization.

Mariano Peña Benevides, president of the Association of Real Estate Owners of Lima-South (Aprils), which brings together the 26 clubs on the beaches of Asia, said that "it is absolutely false that there is discrimination, nor is there any regulation that prevents domestic workers bathe on the beaches where they care for children.”

The Table against Racism of the National Coordinator of Human Rights recognizes that these practices are not exclusive to the beaches of Asia, but occur in other high-class summer resorts, on the wide Peruvian coast of 2,600 km of extension on the Peaceful.

"Domestic workers are discriminated against, exploited, their rights are not recognized in luxurious spas that are privileged places for the rich," said indigenous congresswoman María Sumire.

Wilfredo Ardito, from Aprodeh, reported that for several years he had received complaints from female employees who were discriminated against in that coastal district of Lima.

"The mobilization seeks to raise awareness among the population about the problem of racism, the mistreatment suffered by these workers, and the abuse of some owners of the place who have 'taken over' the public beaches," he added.

La Nación. (2007). Empleadas domésticas se movilizan hacia balneario limeño exigiendo igualdad. La Nación. Retrieved from https://www.nacion.com/archivo/empleadas-domesticas-se-movilizan-hacia-balneario-limeno-exigiendo-igualdad/54BTPRCRMFFEZHAEXNFK6KW3DE/story/

Commentary: 

There are so many testimonies of racism like the ones we just showed. Racism is a serious issue in Peru that has harmful effects. Peru is a country with a diverse population, including indigenous peoples, Afro-Peruvians, and more. Unfortunately, discrimination and prejudice against certain groups or people have persisted for centuries. 

One of the most significant ways that racism affects people in Peru is through the perpetuation of social and economic inequality. In fact, indigenous people have historically been excluded from access to education, healthcare, and other basic services. That’s why it is essential to address this issue through education, awareness-raising, and policy changes that promote equality and inclusivity. Only then can Peru truly become a country where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their ethnicity, background, culture, or history.