Karama mourns our friend, Mavic Cabrera-Balleza

Members of the WPSHA Compact attending the regional conference in Bangkok, August 2023. Mavic Cabrera Balleza is pictured on the front row, fourth from the right.Photo: UN Women/Jack Taylor

The Karama network expresses our grief at the death of our friend, the incomparable María Victoria 'Mavic' Cabrera-Balleza. 

Through her long career in peace work and in particular as founder and inspirational leader of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, Mavic made astonishing contributions to global civil society and the women, peace and security agenda.

Many of Karama's members worked closely with or were themselves members of GNWP, and all have the utmost respect and admiration for Mavic's expertise and commitment, but especially her compassion and authenticity as a peacebuilder. 

We at Karama had the great honor to serve alongside Mavic on the board of the Compact on Women, Peace and Security & Humanitarian Action, where her knowledge and diplomacy did so much to shape and steer the compact's impact.

Activists committed to peace everywhere mourn for a truly incredible women, who did so much across the world it would be impossible to calculate or articulate the positive impact that Mavioc made throughout her life. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mavic's family, friends, and colleagues, and say thank you to a dear friend.