Mexico launched the Border Industrialization Program, aiming to attract foreign investment and create jobs, initially focusing on what was predominantly assembly-line production staffed by women. From these humble beginnings, the workforce in the maquiladoras (manufacturing plants) of the city has expanded significantly. Today, it encompasses nearly 250,000 workers across about 300 factories, most of which are U.S.-owned. Ciudad Juárez has also become a hub for internal migration within Mexico, earning it the nickname “city of migrants.”

Initially, women made up about 80% of the assembly-line workforce in the maquiladoras. By the early 21st century, this percentage had decreased, yet women still represented over half of the workforce. Over four decades of industrial activity along the border, there have been rising gender tensions, threats, and in some cases, male backlash due to the increased financial independence of women, even though their earnings are modest. The local media, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s, sometimes portrayed maquiladora women negatively. These women were often depicted in popular folklore as promiscuous and irresponsible, leading to victim-blaming by some political figures. However, by the late 1990s, a significant shift occurred in the border media, reflecting widespread outrage and introspection within the community.


The question arises as to what aspects of this industrialized city might contribute to the heightened violence, including the alarming rates of femicide and homicide. In our research, we delve into various factors and provide explanations that are rooted in the specific context of the city.

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