THE FOREIGN MINISTRY HOSTS THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF SHELTERS

The annual meeting of the National Network of Shelters was held in the Foreign Ministry from October 8-10 with the theme of “Shelters: Safety and Protection for Women.” It was organized by the Foreign Ministry in coordination with the National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence against Women (CONAVIM); the National Women's Institute (INMUJERES) and the National Network of Shelters: The national network is currently composed of 44 affiliated shelters, of which 12 are government shelters and 32 are run by civil society.

The event was attended by specialists in gender violence, including the Coordinator of the Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI) , Dr. Patricia Olamendi; and the Director of the National Latina Network for healthy families and communities of Casa de Esperanza, Juan Carlos Areán. The meeting was attended by senators, 43 shelter directors from Mexico, 63 shelter professionals, civil society representatives and public officials responsible for the issue of violence in the federal government and in the states.

For the first time, this year’s annual meeting incorporated the experience of the Latina Network in care for women migrants in the United States who are in violent situations.

The federal institutions, National Network of Shelters and civil society institutions agreed that the shelters are a real, effective and positive option for women’s protection and recovery that also help women who have been the victims of violence to develop skills. They also agreed on the need to design and implement a comprehensive public policy for shelters, supported with earmarked funds and linked to development plans.

The Foreign Ministry’s support for this meeting is part of its promotion of international human rights standards, with a focus on promoting women's rights. It is also one of the Foreign Ministry activities to promote equality between men and women, with resources designated by the Chamber of Deputies.