Netflix’s “Valeria” Dedicates A Scene To The #NiUnaMenos Movement And Here’s Why It’s So Important

Netflix’s sex comedy series “Valeria” is on its second season, following writer Valeria and her three eccentric girlfriends: Carmen, Lola, and Nerea. The Madrid-based “Sex and the City” type of show follows the empowering women in a series of situations from the decision to leave their long-term partners to work drama such as competing with their partner for a job promotion – and every heartbreak and complication in between.

However, one of the scenes that caught my eye in the latest season is an important dialogue that goes beyond the witty comical line – it is about the “Ni Una Menos” movement in Episode 5. The scene follows the women getting explicitly sexually harassed and catcalled by random men as they each struggle to make their way home. Then we see the group chat between the four friends who frantically text each other to make sure each of them had arrived home safely.

The matter of fact is, I’ve done it, and if you identify as a female or femme – chances are you’ve done it as well. We have normalized being casually harassed or being on the lookout for any strange individual lurking at us on our way home.

“Text me when you get home,” is a text that has a meaning that goes beyond for Latinas dealing with these daily forms of harassment. Among us, it’s our safe word, and once we all report home safe, we can finally exhale and end our night in peace.

The song that plays during this powerful scene furthermore helps portray the emotional message. It’s called “Ni Una Menos” by Argentinean artist Chocolate Remix with lyrics that basically says women should do whatever they want without the guilt or fear of any type of violence.

The “Ni Una Menos” translates to “Not one [woman] less,” the Latin American movement that speaks against gender-based violence and femicides.

Each year on June 3rd, people march in Argentina and support on social with the hashtag #NiUnaMenos. While the movement is rooted in Argentina, countries including Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Spain, and others who experience the same type of violence derived from the roots of machismo, also participate in the global movement.

While Latin American television pop culture sometimes silences this dialogue, it is crucial now more than ever for Netflix series, such as “Valeria” to keep these conversations open — especially when the show bases its storylines on how the main characters deal with feminism and women empowerment in all aspects of their lives.

Nevertheless, if you’re into romantic comedies and don’t shy away from steamy scenes, “Valeria” might be your next big binge. The two seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.