It is with profound sadness that the Board and Management of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) announce the passing of Maria Victoria Cabrera-Balleza (widely known as “Mavic”), the visionary CEO who drove the creation of GNWP more than ten years ago. українською
Victoria (Mavic) was a pioneering force in conceptualizing and implementing the localization of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) strategy in the UN system. Mavic’s leadership combined her fierce intellect and boundless energy to shape international policy spaces while remaining grounded in the lived realities of grassroots women leaders in conflict and post/conflict zones in more than 50 countries. She had a rare ability to connect the global and the local, ensuring that the voices of women in conflict-affected communities were not only heard but meaningfully included in decision-making at the highest levels. Her leadership was marked by courage, clarity of purpose, and an unshakeable belief in the power of collective action to build just and lasting peace.
Cabrera-Balleza’s work and her organization have pioneered a “localization” program in communities worldwide to work with governors, mayors, Indigenous leaders and community elders in countries such as Guatemala, South Sudan, Colombia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia and Iraq to teach them how to carry UN international laws in their areas.
To many, she was not only a leader, but also a mentor, colleague, and friend—generous with her time, sharp in her insight, and unwavering in her commitment to those she worked alongside.
Maria Victoria (Mavic) Cabrera-Balleza left us too soon; she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To honor her life and enduring legacy, an online memorial for her friends and colleagues will be held. Details on the memorial service and memorial fund will be shared soon.
The CSO “Democracy Developmen Center”expresses our sincere condolences to all the relatives and friends of this outstanding woman. Cooperation with her opened the way for us in international projects for protecting women’s rights and safety.