Human rights defender's story: Sonia Acabal from Guatemala

Sonia Acabal, from the No Violence Against Women Network (Rednovi), Guatemala’s oldest network of women’s organisations, has been at the forefront of the fight for women’s rights since its inception in 1991. The network was established in response to the political violence women were facing and the violent death of their leader, Sẽnora Pérez. Rednovi aims to empower women to live free from violence and ensure their access to justice.

The primary challenges Acabal identified were deeply rooted in societal conventions that perpetuate women’s inferiority and systemic barriers within the Guatemalan legal and political framework. Despite these obstacles, the network had made significant strides by 2017, including the establishment of laws, public policies, and mechanisms that advance women’s rights. These achievements were the result of collective effort and resilience in denouncing and combating systemic violence against women.

At that time, Guatemala was facing a significant challenge with corruption at the highest levels of state institutions, which undermined their struggle for justice and equality. The support of the international community was crucial, enabling initiatives like the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) to operate. Acabal emphasised the critical role of international allies in continuing the fight against corruption and advocating for human rights at global platforms such as the United Nations.

Through ISHR’s training programs and advocacy support, Rednovi was able to leverage international mechanisms to amplify their local efforts. Acabal’s message to the international community was clear: continued support, vigilance, and a firm stance against corruption were essential for ensuring that women in Guatemala could live in peace and security.