ocupadas

Ocupadas is a Spanish term that literally translates as “occupied women” or “female occupiers,” and it is used to refer to women who participate in squatting or occupy abandoned buildings for social, cultural, or political purposes. The word emerged in the early 2000s within Spanish‑speaking activist circles, drawing on the broader “ocupa” movement that began in the 1990s as a response to housing shortages, urban decay, and perceived social injustices. While “ocupa” can denote any squatter, the feminine form highlights gender‑specific concerns such as safety, autonomy, and the creation of women‑centered spaces.

The first organized collectives identified as Ocupadas appeared in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Buenos Aires, where groups transformed empty apartments and warehouses into community centers, rehearsal studios, and temporary housing. These spaces often hosted workshops on feminist theory, self‑defense, and cooperative living, and they provided venues for art exhibitions, concerts, and political meetings. By foregrounding women’s needs, Ocupadas challenged the male‑dominated narrative of the squatter movement and sought to address intersecting issues of gender, class, and migration.

Legal responses have varied across jurisdictions. In Spain, the “Ley de Vivienda” of 1994 allows the occupation of unused dwellings after a period of continuous possession, but authorities frequently evict Ocupadas on grounds of public order or property rights. In Argentina, court decisions have occasionally recognized the social function of squatted spaces, yet evictions remain common. Internationally, the phenomenon is linked to broader trends in autonomous housing and feminist activism.

Notable projects include “Casa de las Ocupadas” in Barcelona (established 2008), a self‑managed house that offered childcare, legal advice, and cultural programming, and “La Casa Ocupada” in Buenos Aires (founded 2012), which served as a hub for feminist collectives and migrant support groups. Though often short‑lived, these initiatives have contributed to debates on housing policy, gender equity, and the right to the city, influencing subsequent grassroots movements across the Spanish‑speaking world.