Arlette Contreras —known for introducing Peru to Ni Una Menos ("Not One Less"), the international movement challenging gender violence— has been named one of prestigious TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World 2017.
A video showed Contreras being brutally beaten by her former partner, Adriano Pozo, in her hometown of Ayacucho back in July 2015. Images spread nationwide.
"All of Peru saw Cindy Arlette Contreras Bautista dragged by her hair through a hotel, battered and screaming," the U.S. publication said, referring to security-camera footage of her assault which circulated online.
"When he [her attacker and former partner] was given a suspended sentence and released in July 2016, Contreras wasn't the only one who was outraged. Her case —and her willingness to speak publicly about it— helped propel thousands of women onto the streets of Lima that summer to protest gender violence," the review continues.
Peru thus joined the wider Ni Una Menos, a "movement sweeping across Latin America" demanding the end of misogyny, male chauvinism, sexism and consequent gender-based violence.
And they did not raise their voices in vain: the protest led to the reopening of the judicial proceeding against Arlette's assailant.
Arlette was listed in TIME's "Icons" category along with renowned stars like soccer player Neymar Jr., Olympic champion Simone Biles and Academy Award winner Viola Davis.
This is not the first recognition for the Ayacucho-born activist. Last March 29, she was honored for advocating for justice and women's rights with the United States Secretary of State's 2017 International Women of Courage Award.
The award was presented by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump during a ceremony in Washington D.C.
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