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Federalism and Subnational Legal Mobilization: Feminist Litigation Strategies in Salta, Argentina

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Alba Ruibal
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Abstract

This article draws from a qualitative study of feminist legal strategies in the province of Salta, Argentina, to put forth an argument about the impact of federalism on subnational legal mobilization in a nonindustrialized federal democracy. It argues that the federal architecture of the state can strengthen the ability of local legal activists to pursue litigation strategies, and that it can do so in two main ways: by fostering the institutional autonomy of government agencies and insider activists working for the defense of rights at the local level, and by facilitating the provision of external legal resources and support for local legal activists in civil society. The theoretical perspective connects two research agendas that have not yet been combined to explain feminist legal strategies in federal systems: legal mobilization studies and gender and federalism scholarship, and proposes nuances to both strands of research.

Type
Articles
Information
Law & Society Review , Volume 52 , Issue 4 , December 2018 , pp. 928 - 959
Copyright
© 2018 Law and Society Association.

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Interviews

Abbut Carol, Graciela. Litigant lawyer, legal advisor of the Foro de Mujeres, member of the National Network of Feminist Lawyers for Human Rights. Author interview, Salta, August 8, 2013.

Beltrán, Alma and Fernanda Díaz de León. Members of the Legal Area of GIRE, Author interview, México DF, September 29, 2011.

Cáceres, Miguel Angel. History Professor. Author interview, Salta, August 9, 2013.

Caliva, Verónica. President of Fundation Entre Mujeres, Author interview, Salta, August 10, 2013.

Carrique, Violeta. President of the Women's Commission, National University of Salta, member of the Multisectorial de Mujeres, founder of the feminist movement in Salta. Author interview, Salta, August 18, 2013.

Davis Mattar, Laura. Program manager, Conectas Human Rights; member of Global Doctors for Choice/Brazil. Author interview, São Paulo, August 31, 2012.

Gaspar, Gabriela. Litigant lawyer, member of the National Network of Feminist Lawyers, and member of ILEC. Author interview, Salta, August 8, 2013.

Gherardi, Natalia. Executive Director of ELA, Equipo Latinoamericano de Justicia y Género (Latin American Team of Gender and Justice). Author interview. Buenos Aires. December 23, 2010.

Gómez Augier, Agustín. Journalist, President of ILEC- Salta. Author interview, Salta, August 9, 2013.

Morales, Alfonsina. Director of the Program of Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Municipality of Salta. Author interview, Salta, August 7, 2013.

Puga, Mariela. Public interest lawyer and Executive Director of Mujeres del Sur. Author interview. Córdoba, December 29, 2010.

Quiroga, Maria. Member of Cátedra Abierta de Genero (Open Seminar on Gender) at Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia in Trelew. Author interview, October 3, 2014.

Ramos, Alicia. President of Multisectorial de Mujeres. Author interview, Salta, August 9, 2013.

Sisnero, Mirtha. Main plaintiff in the claim for equal opportunity at the workplace. Author interview, Salta, August 12, 2013.

Spaventa, Verónica. Law Clerk at the office of Judge Graciela Kauffman, ex Delegate of INADI in Salta, member of the National Network of Feminist Lawyers for Human Rights. Telephone interview, January 10, 2017.

Spaventa, Verónica. Author interview, Salta, August 4, 2013.

Tolosa, Alejandra. Representative of CLADEM Argentina in Chubut, ex Delegate of INADI in Chubut (2006–2013). Author interview, Puerto Madryn, October 3, 2014.