Tribute to María Victoria Cabrera-Balleza
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UN Women colleagues in Asia and the Pacific are mourning the loss of Ma. Maria Victoria Cabrera-Balleza, a renowned trailblazer, fierce women’s advocate and founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders.
“Maria Victoria Cabrera Balleza will be remembered as a champion for women’s rights and equal participation in peacebuilding processes,” said Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
“May her legacy inspire a new generation of peacebuilders in Asia and the Pacific,” said Arab.
Known as ‘Mavic’, she will be remembered for her outstanding contributions to women, peace and security, in the Philippines – where she first earned respect for her commitment to women’s rights and sustainable peace – and worldwide where she strongly advocated for women’s voice, leadership and redress.
Among many notable achievements, Mavic was instrumental in the drafting of the first Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS 2010-2016), the first such plan to be developed and implemented in Asia.
“Mavic's life and leadership paved the way for organizations, institutions and agencies like UN Women Philippines to accomplish transformative milestones for women, peace and security,” said Ma. Rosalyn Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator, UN Women Philippines.
“We will continue to honour her legacy by continuing the work for empowerment, equality and sustainable peace with dedication and pride, for all women and girls,” said Mesina.
Mavic also pioneered the localization of UNSCR 1325 in many countries across the world.
Her commitment to peacebuilding and security at the grassroots level was further cemented by her role in establishing the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund which has allowed UN Women to support civil society organizations working on peace and development in fragile communities.
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