Stop Femicide!

LA MILPA: Guatemala Interest Group

This student group at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on human rights in Guatemala, looking at both the causes and consequences of human rights violations. Previous campus activities include a focus on environmental/mining issues in Guatemala and that event was entitled Dirty Gold. We expect to partner with the Highland Support Project Club to have a "repeat" of this very sucessful event in the Spring of 2009. Also, a Spring 2008 event entitled Sold in Sex, Servitude, and Adoption gave us the opportunity to host Ms. Claudia Rivera of Guatemala on campus to spotlight the nation's dismal record on human trafficking abuses. Additionally, in the Fall of 2009, the group hosted Dr. Gladys Monterroso on campus to give testimony about her rape, abduction, and torture in  the Spring of 2009. Other campuses were also involved, including our neighboring Randolph Macon which also hosted Dr. Monterroso. The University of Richmond too has been a source of support and organizationally we continue to look at how to effectively bring "voices" to these issues in the local area in a manner that is inclusive and draws upon the many committed and capable individuals at these different campuses.

Upcoming events include Ms. Norma Cruz who will be coming to the VCU Campus for a "Stop Femicide!" event on 2 March.

This student group, La Milpa, has carried out such activities by collaborating with other groups and organizations, including the Highland Support Project Club which has been a critical partner. Also, the VCU School of Social Work and the Institute for Women's Health in addition to the Office of International Education have made important contributions. As stated above, the Guatemala Human Rights Commission is an important partner among many which make this work possible. As is the idea with "La Milpa" this important work of giving voice to human rights issues in Guatemala is only achieved by everyone working together to talk about tough issues and move into action.

One action point for La Milpa was Vice President Priscilla Witwer's  participation in a recent White House briefing about violence against women and femicide in Guatemala. Witwer, representing La Milpa, was an active participant in the briefing, underscoring the dire circumstances of women in Guatemala.

Priscilla Witwer (above)

La Milpa Officers:

President: Laurenia Mangum

V.P.: Priscilla Witwer

Treasurer: Carmen Monico

Extraordinary Volunteer:

Max Daniel

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Karen Smith Rotabi