Dear John,

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day—a day of celebration, reflection, and action that carries different meanings for women across Latin America. For some, it is a day to honor hard-fought victories for equality. For others, it is a reminder of the deep injustices that persist—violence, discrimination, and policies that strip away fundamental rights. Over the past two months, we have seen the Trump administration take steps that undermine gender justice, from eliminating federal DEI programs to refusing to recognize gender outside of biological sex. These setbacks are not just U.S. issues; they ripple across the region, shaping policies and limiting opportunities for countless women.

In these challenging times, WOLA’s mission is clear. We are committed to exposing policies that threaten women’s rights and amplifying the voices of those fighting back. In the latest episode of Latin America Today, I had the opportunity to discuss my role as WOLA’s President, WOLA’s decision to prioritize gender justice in our work, and how we are adapting to better fight for justice. This is not a symbolic commitment—we know that defending human rights means fighting for gender justice.

Despite the challenges, we find hope in the extraordinary work of women across the region—organizers, journalists, peacebuilders, policymakers, and defenders who refuse to back down. Their resilience inspires us, and their struggles remind us that change is possible and something worth fighting for. As we mark International Women’s Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to learning from and supporting one another through these challenging times.

Muchas gracias, 

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

"In Trump’s first term, it was said that [having Central American countries accept U.S. deportees] was a transactional logic. In this case, I would say that it’s one of imposition, a logic of threats.”

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

– The Guardian, Trump is making Central America become a dumping ground for US immigrants

“If you don’t know what you’re looking for, who’s who, what money flows look like, what corrupt officials are making your job harder, then just putting a bunch of soldiers there — they’re just scarecrows.” 

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Washington Post, Mexico sent 10,000 troops to stop fentanyl. It remains elusive.

"It would be very important for Sec. Rubio ... who understands the challenges for democracy in the region ... He could take steps to reestablish cooperation that is very important for these countries and at the end of the day is important for the United States' own interests." This interview is in Spanish.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– CNN en Español, Estados Unidos cancela programas de ayuda a activistas en Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, entre otros

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