At the beginning of the 90's a wave of femicides and homicides positioned Ciudad Juárez among the most violent cities in the world. Women, mainly maquiladora workers, were (and are) the most common victims of this wave of violence and impunity. The precariousness that persists in the daily life of thousands of Juarenses extends to the public realm. The feeling of insecurity just can be counteracted when the streets are full of people. 

Only 10 minutes from the international bridge, at the intersection of Juárez and 16 de Septiembre avenues, a unique urban activity is concentrated. In contrast to El Paso Street, there is a wider variety of both formal and informal activities. Services such as dental, eye clinics, restaurants, tacos, bars, and cafes operate side by side stalls and people selling magazines, toys, clay pots, or shining shoes. On weekends, Pasoans cross to Juarez to visit family, walk through streets dense with vendors and activity, watch street performers and dance to latin music. However, in the background of all this festive atmosphere, signs in pink announce that this particular corridor is safe for women. Surveillance is deployed, and we are again reminded that beyond these boundaries violence persists. In Juárez, these spaces can help some of those who may be targeted feel less targeted. For many people the presence of Av. 16 de Septiembre, Plaza de Armas, and Cathedral together provide a safe community space, a kind of social infrastructure...