International Conference on the Prevention of Femicide
US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights hosted an International Conference on the Prevention of Femicide on October 28-29.
Voices from across the Americas came together to break the silence. Stories, courage, and truth — transforming pain into purpose.
Watch the Livestream from Day 1
ABOUT THE EVENT
International Conference on the Prevention of Femicide 2025
The US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) brought together experts, policymakers, civil society leaders, and human rights defenders from across the Americas for the International Conference on the Prevention of Femicide: Breaking the Silence. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in deep dialogue on the root causes of femicide, its intersections with other forms of violence, and the urgent need for coordinated regional action.
The conference opened with remarks from Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder and President of USIDHR, who emphasized the moral and global imperative of preventing femicide. Her welcome set the tone for a gathering centered on truth, resilience, and collaboration. Vicky Leyva, USIDHR’s Director of Hispanic Affairs and President of RIMLA, followed with a reflection on the significance of creating safe spaces where survivors and advocates can speak openly.
The first panel of the day, moderated by Vicky Leyva, explored the hidden connections between femicide and human trafficking. Contributions from Dr. Roxana Herrera-Tellez, Carmen Moreno Sanz, and Silvia Nalleli Castañeda Islas brought to light how organized crime, systemic gaps in justice, and the exploitation of women intersect in ways that endanger the lives of thousands across the region. Their perspectives highlighted that femicide cannot be addressed in isolation; it is deeply tied to broader patterns of violence, inequality, and impunity.
The second panel, moderated by Michelle Ivonne Macias De Pozo, Regional Director of USIDHR in Mexico, focused on the essential role of civil society in prevention. Speakers Andrea Gómez, Fabiola Arellano, and Francisca Benítez Pereira discussed the transformative power of community-based initiatives, feminist education, and trauma-informed support networks. Their insights demonstrated how grassroots leadership and lived experience contribute to prevention efforts in ways that policy alone cannot. Michelle closed the first day with a call to action, reminding participants that every story shared and every voice elevated strengthens the movement.
DAY 2 IN ACTION
Panels and Q&A
The second day began with a reflection on the conversations from Day 1, led by Vicky Leyva. She then introduced Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, who moderated a compelling panel on public policy and justice as tools for preventing femicide. Speakers María del Pilar Cabuya De León, Sandy Marcela Barros Corpas, and Estrella del Rocío López Maciel analyzed how legal frameworks, policy reform, and institutional accountability shape national responses to gender-based violence. Their contributions emphasized that prevention requires both political will and the strengthening of justice systems.
The final panel of the conference, moderated by Héctor Cabuya, Regional Director of USIDHR in Colombia, delved into the grave reality of femicide as a weapon of war and conflict. Insights from Erika Cubides Garzón, Norma Vera Salazar, Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Claudia Terra, and Desiree Gutiérrez revealed how armed groups use gender-based violence strategically to terrorize communities, dismantle social structures, and silence dissent. Their testimonies underscored the need for international attention and specialized protections for women living in conflict zones.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Vicky Leyva, Héctor Cabuya, and Michelle Ivonne Macias De Pozo, who collectively urged attendees to continue advancing the movement started here. They reaffirmed USIDHR’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration, strengthening human rights education, and ensuring that the fight against femicide remains a global priority.
Over two days, USIDHR succeeded in creating more than a conference — it built a platform for truth, connection, and transformation. By bringing together diverse voices and fostering dialogue grounded in lived experience, the event marked a critical step in breaking the silence surrounding femicide. The movement sparked here will continue to grow, driven by the stories shared, the commitments made, and the unwavering belief that femicide can and must be prevented.
