Melissa Torres, WILPF US International Board representative

In Mexico to follow up on the WILPF US agreement at our Congress in Detroit to support a binational collaboration between our Section and LIMPAL Mexico, Melissa Torres was on hand for the uprising in support of the missing 43 students of Ayotzinapa. She and Violeta Campos Cabral of LIMPAL worked together in November to research collaborative projects.

This trip also served as a follow up to agreements for more partnerships and support among the Americas as decided at the WILPF Americas Conference in April 2014 where both Melissa and Violeta were delegates. Melissa and Violeta traveled to three rural and indigenous communities in the state of Puebla to meet with women and their families regarding risks of internal migration in conflict zones and external migration to the U.S. and human rights.

For those not migrating, Violeta hosted meetings on organizing and microenterprises for which she helps them seek government support and outside assistance or investors. Melissa and Violeta also participated in a conference regarding corrupt governance and social violence in Latin America, and violence against female journalists, activists, and researchers in Mexico.

During this trip, some projects were postponed as the country mobilized in national strikes and demonstrations, in which Melissa and Violeta also participated in solidarity with the 43 missing students from Ayotzinapa. This included marches in Mexico City and Puebla, as well as meetings with professors who were organizing their students for the national protests and university strikes, vigils, and observances during the holy days of the dead.

This trip will be the first in establishing several projects regarding research of security and migration, human rights in indigenous communities, and women’s organizing. Melissa and Violeta, both of whom work with local universities, will be seeking outside funding and plan to partner with universities working on the issues as well. LIMPAL Mexico is currently in transition of leadership and hoping to include more of the outspoken indigenous groups as they expand membership.

Aside from the current mobilizing in response to the missing 43 students of Ayotzinapa, WILPF US has come into this partnership and can offer support at a very crucial time for our Mexican sisters.

Contact  Melissa Torres at melissa.i.torres@gmail.com

PHOTO: Candles in Mexico City spell out “Fuera EPN” – calling for Enrique Pena Nieto’s resignation.
Melissa Torres