Norma Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norma Cruz
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nationality | Guatemalan |
| Occupation | Human rights activist |
| Organization | Foundation Sobrevivientes |
| Awards | International Women of Courage Award (2009) Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (2011) |
Norma Angélica Cruz Córdova is a brave activist from Guatemala. She is known for her important work helping women who have faced violence.
Contents
Helping Women in Guatemala
Norma Cruz is a human rights defender. This means she works to protect the basic rights and freedoms of people. She leads an organization called the Fundación Sobrevivientes (Survivors' Foundation). This group helps women in Guatemala City who have experienced violence.
What the Foundation Does
The Survivors' Foundation opened on July 3, 1996. It gives "emotional, social, and legal support" to many women. These women are looking for justice and protection.
The foundation helps in several ways:
- It helps find and bring to justice people who have harmed women. For example, in 2007, her group helped convict 30 people accused of crimes against women.
- It runs a safe place for victims. This shelter is one of the few in Guatemala.
- It works to protect mothers whose babies are taken from them. This is part of an illegal system for international adoptions.
Support from Artists
In 2011, a theater group in Boston and the musician Serj Tankian honored Norma Cruz. They dedicated their play Prometheus Bound to her and other activists. They wanted to give a voice to people who are being silenced.
Facing Challenges
Norma Cruz's work is very important, but it can also be dangerous. She has received threats because of her activism.
Staying Safe
The Guatemalan government has given her police protection. Even with this help, the threats have continued. Because of this, Amnesty International called her work a "priority case" in 2011. This means they believe her safety and work are very important.
Attacks on Her Work
In March 2011, the offices of her organization were attacked. Someone threw a Molotov cocktail, which is a type of firebomb. Luckily, no one was hurt in the attack.
Awards and Recognition
Norma Cruz has been recognized for her courage and dedication.
International Woman of Courage Award
In 2009, the U.S. Department of State honored her with the International Women of Courage Award. This award celebrates women around the world who show great bravery. The U.S. Department of State said that Norma Cruz is "an inspiration and symbol of courage and hope." She received the award from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama.
See also
In Spanish: Norma Cruz para niños
