Justicia sin Fronteras is proof that students' interests can transform a class.
Last fall after watching "Se§orita Extraviada," a story about the more than 200 young women who were kidnapped, raped and murdered in Ju†rez, Mexico, members of the Spanish 439 class at UNM decided to get involved.
"We were so moved by what we saw that we wanted to do something about it," said Carrie Thompson, a group member.
Miguel L¢pez, instructor of the class, said it was obvious his students were showing an increased interest after they saw the film.
"It is a good opportunity for students to get involved in their education," he said.
Last December, the group hosted a forum and panel discussion to raise awareness about the events in Ju†rez. The group showed the documentary and brought in guest speaker Patricia Cervantes whose daughter is missing.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The group marched from El Paso into Ju†rez on Feb.14, protesting violence against women in one of Mexico's largest cities and around the world.
There are 15-20 active group members. They participated in the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Conference on Friday, presenting "Solidarity across the Border, Women of Ju†rez" along with organizations that support family members of the women who have disappeared.
"I cannot say in five minutes the way my heart feels for the women who have been murdered," said Vanessa Galindo, president of the group, in her opening address.
Carmen Vasquez, head psychologist at Casa Amiga Women's Crisis Center in Ju†rez, said they have been trying to understand this phenomenon that has been happening over the last 10 years. Casa Amiga is the first crisis center for domestic violence and sexual abuse in Ju†rez.
"We believe that every woman should be able to leave her house dressed the way she likes and still return home safely," she said. "These crimes are like cancer. If we don't attack them, they are going to spread quickly."
Following Vasquez's address was Soledad Aguilar, whose daughter disappeared in Ju†rez and was found four days later.
She said it was a week of desperation when they could not find her daughter. Many of the women's cases have not been investigated and Aguilar said the mothers of the victims want justice. She said when she questioned the authorities, they would tell her not to cry for her daughter.
Although her daughter was found, Aguilar said her 8-year-old niece was not and she has no idea where or how she disappeared.
She said more than anything, the mothers remember the memories and work to support each other so they do not have to suffer as much.
Galindo said the presentation was used to create a conscience in the United States. She said citizens need to be aware of the places they buy things so that any support does not go out to the factories that have employed the disappeared women. From 1993 to 2001, one-third of the disappeared women worked at the maquiladoras, or factories.
Group members said they plan on expanding into other issues and to continue looking at border and immigration rights.
