Nov 26, 2024
Thanks to the outreach efforts of UNAM Chicago in service to the Mexican community, the Coordination for Gender Equality (CIGU-UNAM) conducted a workshop for the staff of the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. The event commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The workshop was led by Gabriela Gutiérrez Mendoza, Head of the Education and Extension Unit for Equality at CIGU. She provided insights into the different types of gender-based violence prevalent in today’s society and explained how they manifest in various forms, including psychological, economic, sexual, and reproductive rights violations, among others.
"Unfortunately, gender-based violence has been normalized in Mexico and around the world, which makes it extremely challenging to combat," stated Gutiérrez, a specialist with over 20 years of experience and a professor at the National School of Social Work-UNAM.
Addressing the specific context of consular support for Mexican nationals, she emphasized, "Staff must practice empathetic and active listening when victims seek assistance. They should ask key questions to identify the victims' immediate needs during an emergency and design appropriate responses based on those needs, always ensuring that the process does not re-victimize them."
She underscored the importance of creating a support network and a protocol to be prepared for in-person or telephone interventions, ensuring that victims feel truly supported and accompanied.
Both Guillermo Pulido, Director of UNAM Chicago, and Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, expressed their gratitude to the Coordination for Gender Equality for facilitating such initiatives. These activities not only promote gender equality but also bring UNAM closer to vulnerable communities in need.
