Women, Forces of Change | Mujeres, Fuerzas de Cambio

Growing up in a territory shaped by conflict, Arianna learned how violence can disconnect people from their own identity. Through her journey, she reclaims her voice, her community, and her river—showing how young women are rebuilding memory, dignity and peace from within their territories.

After surviving armed violence at just 14, Wendy rebuilt her life with strength and purpose. Today, she advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities and survivors, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to transform pain into action—and change lives.

What does it mean to cross borders—not just geographic, but invisible ones shaped by violence and silence? Investigative journalist Pamela Huerta shares her journey into territories marked by organized crime, where telling the truth becomes both a risk and a responsibility.

A single moment changed everything. After witnessing the impact of online abuse, Gordina set out to ensure justice would never fail victims again. Her journey—from teacher to cybersecurity leader—is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose and women’s leadership are essential to building a safer digital world.

We’re celebrating the fourteenth anniversary of the adoption of the UN resolution on women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control with a special episode featuring Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN, and Dennis Francis, Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the UN, who, together with Soledad Urruela, Director of UNLIREC, share with us thei...

Dr. Elizabeth Ward, a medical epidemiologist with more than 15 years of experience in violence prevention. She established the Jamaica Injury Surveillance System (JISS), which collects critical data on gunshot wounds and supports multi-agency efforts to reduce violent crime. Dr. Ward works with organizations such as WHO, PAHO, and UNICEF, focusing on strategies to address violence against children...

[Available in Spanish] Ana Pamela Romero, a Juris doctor and criminalistics expert from Mexico. Over the past 16 years she has held several positions as a researcher, professor and, currently, national director of the Law Program at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Since 2014, she has worked as an expert consultant for UNLIREC in legal, forensic and gender perspective in the investigation of firearms cri...

[Available in Spanish] Juliana Aguiar, Brazilian journalist and human rights defender, shares with us her valuable testimony and her tireless work to give visibility to voices that have historically been silenced. In this episode, Juliana Aguiar tells us how her interest in human rights led her to work at the Fogo Cruzado Institute, where she monitors violence in more than 50 Brazilian cities maki...

[Available in Spanish] Mayda De León is well known for her work on prevention of violence and arms control. With more than 20 years of experience, Mayda shares with us her journey, her commitment to human rights and her current leadership role as Vice Minister of Violence and Crime Prevention in Guatemala. In this episode, Mayda De León tells us how, from a young age, she became interested in issu...

[Available in Spanish] Constanza Bucarey is a leading Chilean professional with over 16 years of experience in customs risk management, border security and strategic trade control in Latin America. Her message to young women: “Be confident in your role, dare to explore male-dominated fields. You will encounter challenges, but also people who will support you.” --- Constanza Bucarey es una destacad...

[Available in French] Kettly Julien is the Executive Director of the Institut Mobile d'Éducation Démocratique (IMED) and active member of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (CNDDR) of Haiti. In this episode, she tells us how she has overcome challenges since her childhood and turned her fears into strengths to fight for social justice and human rights. She al...

[Available in Spanish] Clarissa Rios is a scientist and global disarmament leader from Peru. With a PhD in molecular biology, Clarissa Rios works at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, focusing on preventing the use of biological weapons and promoting peace. In this episode, she shares how her love of biology began and how the understanding of the impact of science on global security inspired h...

Tamika Henry is a former Forensic Technologist with the Guyana Police Force and Senior Science Officer at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory. Currently, she supports the OPCW Technical Secretariat in advancing the global implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In this episode, Tamika Henry shares how her passion for conflict resolution and the application of science led her to work...

[Available in Spanish] Starting 1 December 2024, Carina Solmirano will assume the role of Head of the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), following her selection at the Tenth Conference of States Parties in August 2024, becoming the first Argentinian and Latin American woman to assume this responsibility. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of disarmament, peace and inter...

Nadine Bushell is a leader in security and development, currently serving as the Acting Assistant Director of Projects at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). With a wealth of experience in both government and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she leverages her expertise to advance initiatives aimed at building a s...