Fundeps celebrated 15 years promoting human rights
This Friday, November 22, the Es por acá Festival took place at the Teatro Griego. More than two thousand people shared an afternoon of encounter, reflection and action for human rights. The day, which included the participation of activists, artists and organizations from Cordoba, ended with pure dancing with Sabor Canela, Soul Bitches and Dj Santa Rita.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
The Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies (Fundeps) is a non-profit organization from Córdoba that has been working to guarantee human rights since 2009. Last Friday, November 22, it celebrated its 15th anniversary with the Festival es por acá (It’s Over Here Festival) at the Greek Theater in the City of Córdoba. More than two thousand people shared an afternoon of encounter, reflection and action for human rights.
On the stage of a packed Greek Theatre, and before the musical closing by Sabor Canela, the executive director of Fundeps, Mayca Balaguer, stressed the importance of daring to “imagine another world, another country and another Córdoba, better, more dignified and respectful of human rights” despite the difficulties.
“This festival is a celebration, yes, but also a reminder: what we do matters. It matters when we manage to give women and the diverse people of this country more tools to confront violence and access their rights. It matters when we get genuine commitments from the province to care for the environment and prevent diseases. It matters when we accompany communities in their struggles for water, for land and for life,” she said.
She also highlighted that the struggle and work of these 15 years was possible thanks to networking, alliances with friendly organizations, with communities and with all the people who joined. Some of these organizations, such as the Asociación Civil Amigos de la Reserva San Martín, VUDAS (Vecines Unides en Defensa de un Ambiente Sano) and the Mesa por la Emergencia Alimentaria Córdoba, were part of the Festival Es por acá, making their work and activism visible at the Feria de Comunidades en Lucha.
In addition, those who came were able to visit the Otras Economías and Cocina Soberana fairs to buy books, notebooks, clothing, accessories, plants, natural cosmetics, delicious and healthy food, among other products from different self-managed enterprises in Córdoba. Fundeps seeks to strengthen enterprises that are based on principles such as solidarity, equity, decent work, cooperation, ecological sustainability and the fair distribution of wealth.
Leaders in Struggle
In a context where the defense of human rights is becoming increasingly urgent, the afternoon began with our Leaders in Struggle discussion. Moderated by Mimí Luz Argüello Lobo, teacher and designer, activists from different spaces reflected from their experience on mental health and care; digital advocacy strategies; the importance of networks and the value of the collective.
“I don’t know if there was a moment when I chose to be an activist. I think life made me fight for my own rights and that has made the path become clearer as I go. Today I am part of a wonderful collective,” shared Santiago Merlo, a trans activist and president of the La Casita Trans Civil Association.
Camila Gomez Parodi, a member of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo and granddaughter of Sonia Torres, said: “My generation is a generation that was born with a lot of rights and we may not recognize all the struggle behind it. So I think that social media is there to have these discussions. But we must not lose sight of the street, which continues to be very important to defend our rights.”
The teacher, philosopher and technician of Indigenous Language and Culture, Juan Cruz Falco, known on the networks as juancito_piedra, shared his experience as a digital activist: “The hate is always there. At first I bothered to answer one by one and then I said no, I don’t even get involved because it consumes your energy. At this moment, emotionality is the last thing that can take us away. When things get personal, it is much darker, it hurts more, that is why it is important to be on social media and take care of yourself.”
“Teamwork is essential for self-care. It was hard for me to delegate and when I learned it was the best thing that could have happened to me. Today I am grateful for it and I feel cared for. Laughing, hugging, accompanying each other, working as a team, giving and giving affection is the healthiest thing,” reflected Ruth Ahrensburg, founder of the ConVoz Association, an organization with more than 30 years of experience supporting women in situations of gender violence.
More than an organization, a plot
Luis Sencillo livened up the afternoon from the stage; Estalla serigrafía multiplied the hope on t-shirts and patches; while children were able to learn and have fun in the Space for Children and enjoy the traveling circus with their families, led by Mundo Púrpura. Music by Sabor Canela, Soul Bitches and Dj Santa Rita completed an afternoon of encounter and celebration.
The festival was also an opportunity to recognize the work and commitment of all the people who were and are part of this collective history. That group of friends who paved the way 15 years ago: César Murúa, Juan Carballo, Leandro Moscardó, Ana Carballo, Candelaria Negri, Pablo Bollati and Juan Martín Camusso. Those who, at the head of the executive management, had the challenge and responsibility of making strategic decisions, even in times of crisis, leading and caring for the team: Carolina Tamagnini, Virginia Pedraza and Juan Carballo. The members of the Board of Directors, Ale Galván, Mili Pioletti and Mariana Paterlini, who, even from a distance, listen to, support and guide the foundation in the major decisions with rigorous strategic criteria and, above all, with love and empathy.
The work of Fundeps would not be possible without the team of volunteers who, with all their might, when they leave work or class, contribute their time, their ideas and their action to all the causes that mobilize us. And of course the 24 people who combine activism and work, who assume the daily commitment to contribute to the construction of a more just, equitable and sustainable society. As Mayca Balaguer expressed: “Fundeps is more than an organization: it is a network. It is a living fabric, which is strengthened with each link, with each hand that is extended and with each story that is added.”
In a context where democratic consensus and human rights are being threatened, Fundeps renews its commitment to collective struggle because hope can also be organized.
Contact
Mayca Balaguer, maycabalaguer@fundeps.org
