The laureates
Description
Teodomira Rosales is an Afro-Indigenous lawyer and has been the founder and president of the Centro Regional de Defensa de Derechos Humanos since 1997. She is best known for her work combating enforced disappearances and forced displacement in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Teodomira assists the families of victims of enforced disappearances with their administrative and legal proceedings. She also co-founded the national coalition to combat forced displacement in Mexico. In addition, she is actively involved in supporting victims of sexual violence by providing them with legal assistance, and she advocates for indigenous communities’ access to clean drinking water.
“The Marianne Initiative has given me the strength I need to keep fighting.”
Teodomira ROSALES SIERRA interview - 06/27/24
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Teodomira Rosales Sierra. I am a lawyer, human rights defender, and director of the José María Morelos Pavón Regional Center for the Defense of Human Rights in Guerrero, Mexico. I provide support to victims of forced displacement, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence.
Can you describe your work as a human rights advocate?
I do difficult but essential work. From a very young age, I have witnessed abuses and human rights violations committed by the authorities within my community. None of us realized how important it was to ensure our rights were respected and to stand up for ourselves—and that is what motivated me to become a human rights defender.
I am committed to combating enforced disappearances and forced displacement in the state of Guerrero. My work involves providing daily support to the families of victims of enforced disappearances: I assist them with legal and administrative procedures and offer psychological support to help them overcome their trauma.
I am also committed to raising awareness among women and girls in my region about their rights, because violence is prevalent and normalized there. During the pandemic, gender-based violence and sexual violence increased dramatically, particularly within Indigenous communities where women do not speak Spanish. Our job is to understand what they have been through, so that we can provide them with legal assistance and emotional support. However, few of them dare to take this complex step, with some even saying they would only do so if they were paid.
How did the Marianne Initiative help you bring your project to life?
I am deeply grateful to this program, which supports human rights defenders around the world. Before joining the program, I was constantly receiving death threats in my country, which was very difficult for my family and me. The Marianne Initiative gave me a moment of respite, allowing me to regain a sense of security and rekindle my determination to fight for human rights.It allowed me to take the time to reflect on my work, refine my strategies, and strengthen my skills.
The Marianne Initiative raises awareness of causes that often receive little media coverage and supports small organizations with limited financial resources. This allows us to grow and gain credibility and effectiveness. The training sessions offered are also very enriching. I hope the Marianne Initiative will continue for years to come.
Which activities were most useful to you during the program ?
The seminars on project management and international humanitarian law were extremely helpful, as I learned how to design projects with precision. The training that made the biggest impression on me was the seminar on negotiation and leadership led by Fahimeh Robiolle at Sciences Po. In addition, the training on using social media was particularly important, as it taught us how to raise the profile of our work.
More broadly speaking, this program gave me the strength to keep fighting. Many human rights defenders give up their struggle and go into exile when faced with situations that are too difficult—which almost happened to me. The Marianne Initiative gave me back the strength I needed to persevere.
What are you going to do after you finish the program?
What are your plans after you finish the program? I’m going to return to Mexico to continue my work. I plan to advocate for redress for victims of forced displacement, as well as for the families of Indigenous peoples who lack access to basic necessities such as food and water. Climate change is also a cause that is very close to my heart. In addition, I will continue to support women who are victims of violence.
Would you like to add anything else?
When selecting the next class, it would be beneficial to diversify and broaden the age range of the recipients, as older individuals have a great deal to teach us.
Please feel free to tell us about the struggles you are facing in your country, as they are a source of inspiration for us.
