Free market vendors reject senator's derogatory remarks

Chile's National Confederation of Free Markets (ASOF) has strongly condemned Senator Camila Flores for her use of the phrase "señora de feria" (market woman) in a derogatory manner during a recent debate. ASOF president Paola Morales expressed deep concern and indignation over the senator's choice of words, which she believes disrespects the contributions of market vendors.

“

market women have built, over generations, a history of work, effort, and commitment to their families, their neighborhoods, and the food security of Chile, for which it is unacceptable that their identity be used as an offensive qualifier.

"Market women have built, over generations, a history of work, effort, and commitment to their families, their neighborhoods, and the food security of Chile," Morales stated. She asserted that it is "unacceptable" for their identity to be used as an offensive qualifier. Morales highlighted that being a market woman is a source of pride, representing early mornings, working in all weather conditions, and significant physical labor, all while fulfilling roles as mothers and heads of households.

“

If someone believes that calling a woman a 'market woman' is an insult, it shows a profound lack of knowledge about who we are. Being a market woman is a source of pride.

Morales further elaborated on the historical significance of free markets as spaces where women have raised families and instilled values of hard work and solidarity. "Many of us raised our children in the market. They learned to walk among fruit crates, did their homework while their mothers worked, and grew up seeing the value of earning a living with dignity," she explained, emphasizing that this legacy deserves respect, not contempt.

“

Many of us raised our children in the market. They learned to walk among fruit crates, did their homework while their mothers worked, and grew up seeing the value of earning a living with dignity. That history deserves respect; not contempt.

"Market women feed Chile. We are entrepreneurs, administrators, tireless workers, and we sustain a significant part of our country's family economy," Morales declared. ASOF expects that the identity of market women will no longer be used as a form of disqualification, asserting that if the term is used, it should be received with pride for the decades of honest work, sacrifice, and community love it represents.

“

Market women feed Chile. We are entrepreneurs, administrators, tireless workers, and we sustain a significant part of our country's family economy. That is why we hope that our identity will never again be used as a disqualification. If they call us 'market women', we receive it with pride, because behind those words are decades of honest work, sacrifice, and love for our communities.