A Sense of Community: Iztapalapa

Iztapalapa in Mexico City is notorious for soaring crime levels and poverty.

But in 2018, the local government began working to turn the borough’s fortunes around by investing in community initiatives to foster social cohesion and reduce gender-based violence.

Iztapalapa’s two million residents now have access to more public arts programmes, government services and sporting facilities. But challenges remain in a community where there are high rates of violence on the streets and within family homes.

A Sense of Community visits this Mexican district during its busiest week, when residents stage one of the world’s largest festivals to mark Easter and cement cultural traditions. We follow three Iztapalapa women - mayor Clara Brugada, renowned actress Mercedes Hernández, and mural artist Bixablú - as they seek to transform their neighbourhood into an urban utopia.