The Solunar collective, an all-woman group, merges photography, local knowledge, journalism, anthropology, and feminist activism to address pressing social issues in Venezuela. Their latest project maps the development of femicide across the Venezuelan states of Aragua, La Guaira, and Falcón. This initiative highlights the ongoing plight faced by women in a country where, according to 2023 data from NGO Utopix, a femicide is recorded every 47 hours.
The collective focuses on the coastal regions of Venezuela, areas that reflect the broader gendered inequalities pervasive throughout the nation. The 2021 Living Conditions Survey (Encovi) underscores that poverty is a gendered issue in Venezuela, affecting women disproportionately. By documenting the lives of fisherwomen, Solunar aims to amplify their voices and stories, shedding light on their unique challenges.
Central to this mission is the Luna de Agua project, which explores how natural cycles—such as lunar phases and tides—impact the daily lives of fisherwomen. It also considers how these cycles intersect with the bodily experiences of women. The collective's work includes capturing poignant images like that of Milagros "Corito" Molina floating with her sons in the La Trilla River near Ocumare de La Costa.
Fisherwomen such as Doris Duque exemplify the strength and resilience of these communities. They approach their work with a unique perspective that challenges traditional gender norms.
“I fish like a woman, not like a man. And my strength is a woman’s, which is just as important.” – Doris Duque
In Ocumare de la Costa, fisherwomen have formed an organization called Mujeres de la Pesca Ocumare. This group collaborates with Solunar to highlight their struggles and triumphs while navigating a landscape marked by gendered poverty and natural challenges.
The Solunar collective employs a blend of photography, journalism, and anthropology to tell these compelling stories. Their work not only documents the lives of these women but also seeks to illuminate the intersection of poverty, gender, and natural cycles that uniquely shape their experiences. By focusing on Aragua, La Guaira, and Falcón, Solunar hopes to bring greater awareness to these pressing issues.