Dealing with conflict

“Approximately 75% of women human rights defenders in Mexico are victims of gender violence,” says a newly released report put out by Consorcio Oaxaca, la Red Mesa de Mujeres Cuidad Juárez and JASS. The investigative report highlights the violence – including threats, murders and rape - faced by Mexican women activists in exercising their work and is based on research conducted for the Regional Baseline Report on Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) in Mesoamerica. The first of its kind in the country, the report’s findings were released during a press conference on January 19th in Mexico City. This analysis highlights the violence – including threats, murders and rape – Mexican activists experience.

Women are a fundamental part of our society. Their daily work and struggles sustain our social fabric and create a more liberal, just and humane world for us all. In light of this, women are more susceptible to violence, insecurity, a lack of good health and general wellbeing, and diminished personal dignity. The issues affecting women are deeply rooted in structural problems that compromise democratic progress, contribute to the deterioration of society, and result in serious human rights violations against women.

"The increasingly dangerous reality of insecurity and violence that are plaguing our countries require, more than ever, new strategies and alliances to guarantee the security of women defenders and their activism” said Daysi Flores, MI-WHRD member.

Mexican, regional and international human rights and feminist organizations are denouncing the attempted rape, murder and continual threats committed against a female police officer, prompting the Mexico City Human Rights Commission to grant precautionary measures to ensure her protection.