It is with deep sadness and loss that we say goodbye to our friend, colleague and ally Mavic Cabrera Balleza.
Over three decades ago our work began in the run up to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and continued as we strategized, lobbied and advocated together for gender equality, media engagement, ending gender-based violence, and advancing women, peace, and security.
Mavic who was at that time with ISIS International, a women’s NGO in Manilla, worked alongside us with different women’s groups, NGO’s and networks. She supported women in the media, communications, and the aim to build justice, peace and equality. Alongside sister organisation ISIS International, Mavic worked in the coordination role with Asia Pacific Women’s Watch for many years, as we ran complex processes to advance the progress of women’s rights and gender equality over the years through the Beijing Platform for Action Work, especially women and media and peacebuilding.
Mavic moved to IWTC in New York and became a key link with APWW in the region on international issues of women, peace and security. Her leadership and collaboration with civil society governments, UN Women and other UN entities resulted in the establishment of two important global mechanisms: the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and thee Generation Equality Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action.
She was the visionary behind the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) her brainchild, her passion, her legacy. Against immense odds, she built and led it with unwavering determination and grace, establishing its presence in New York, with an office standing proudly opposite the UN Headquarters in Manhattan. Nurturing her team into strong advocates for building peace and security for women in the world.
Mavic was many things, but most of all she was a true friend, compassionate and caring. Joyful and mischievous. She was a light in the darkness and brought sustainable and enduring solutions to the table. She shared openly and no matter what time of the day (or night) it was, would answer your call.
Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in – not only in my life and in APWW members who worked alongside her, but in the lives of countless individuals and communities she touched. Let her rest knowing her legacy persists —in the movement she built, in the voices she empowered, and in the change she so fiercely fought for.
Rest my friend, rest in peace, love and light. we will miss you greatly.
