Laura Macaya, a 46-year-old social educator and feminist activist from Barcelona, speaks about her upbringing in a family-run laundry in the Raval neighborhood, a place historically marked by violence and social conflict. Throughout her life, Macaya has normalized the daily presence of violence, viewing it not as an exceptional phenomenon but as a typical aspect of life. Her experience has shaped her understanding of community dynamics, where diverse groups intersected, including sex workers and trans women, contributing to a distinct social fabric.

In her work, Macaya emphasizes the need for a shift in how society addresses gender-based violence, advocating for approaches that foster transformation rather than relying solely on punitive measures. She recently published a guide that outlines these alternative justice models, focusing on healing and community support. This perspective is rooted in her belief that addressing the root causes of violence will lead to more effective solutions.

Macaya's insights reflect a growing movement within feminist activism that seeks to rethink and redefine justice in the context of gender violence. By sharing her personal narrative alongside her professional expertise, she illustrates the importance of inclusive dialogue and education in fostering a more equitable society. Her message resonates with contemporary debates on how to adequately support survivors of violence while dismantling the systemic structures that perpetuate it.