ABSTRACT
Introduction:
In this case study of the Mexican non-governmental organization (NGO) Center for Women’s Human Rights, I discuss theorical interpretations regarding professional activism, victims, and grassroots actors. I analyze if non-governmental organizations actions can generate emancipatory sociopolitical effects, or if, on the contrary, they lead to demobilization and silencing of pro-rights demands.
Material and Methods:
Based on semi structured interviews and secondary sources, the research shows the institutional path, action repertoires and the profiles of founders of the Center for Women’s Human Rights of Mexico. The hypothesis was that, in the face of decision-making arenas, more and less institutionalized forms of action can coexist without this implying the separation of these groups from their social bases.
Results:
Contrary to literature expectations, the studied organization balances two distinct institutional roles at the same time: militant activism and legal defense. This allows it to maintain connection with radical social struggles and advance in institutionalized actions with the State and global governance bodies.
Discussion:
The literature needs to delve into the real interactions between institutions, NGOs, and victims. It is necessary to question the interpretations which understand professional activism only as a technocratic market of the global North, looking upon the local histories of human rights mobilization.
Keywords
human rights; grassroots movements; non-governmental organizations; social mobilization;
Centro de Derechos Humanos de las Mujeres