By Natalia Rueda 
The tragic death of Ana María Serrano Céspedes in Mexico City has shocked the international community. The 18-year-old medical student tragically lost her life in a femicide allegedly perpetrated by her ex-partner Alan Gil Romero, the events occurred in her own home and her family is now demanding justice.
In his Twitter account, Jose Manuel Restrepo, former Minister of Finance and Ana María’s uncle, remarked, “I thought I could never be so close to such a brutal and despicable act as a FEMICIDE. Today with pain in my heart and soul I cannot accept to remain silent that with impunity such acts continue anywhere in the world.”
Romero is currently in custody in Barrientos prison in Tlalnepantla, awaiting a judge to decide his legal situation. This has done little to ease the pain of Serrano’s family, who want Romero to face the consequences for his crime. Maria Ximena Céspedes, Ana María’s mother, says the events of September 12 in Atizapán where her daughter was cruelly murdered are “a wound that never heals.”
The outcry for justice for Ana Maria and other victims of femicides has been heard not only in Mexico but around the world. In Colombia, a march was held in her name to stand up in solidarity with the Serrano family and other victims of gender-based violence. Additionally, postings and hashtags about Ana María’s story have taken social media by storm.
This story has become a desperate plea for equality and respect that we cannot ignore. It is time for the world to take note of the injustices inflicted on women and ensure that justice is done. The memory of all the victims must not be forgotten.
With information from Colombia.com