Latvia
Inga needs emergency shelter to escape abuse and build new life
Six years ago, Inga met Andris in Riga, Latvia. After a few months, Inga fell pregnant. Following the birth of their first daughter, Andris became physically…
For victims of trafficking, MARTA is there
We’re so encouraged when we hear stories of our partner organizations’ successes in making a difference in women’s lives. Here’s just one story of how…
Marta leads advocacy for Latvia to sign Convention to combat violence against women
Thanks to our partner, Marta, and its leader Iluta Lāce spearheading civil society advocacy efforts, the Latvian government has agreed to sign the Council of Europe’s Convention to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. The treaty entered into force in 2014.
Read more.
Recommendations for Prevention of Gender Based Violence and Women’s Economic Empowerment
During the conference Prevention of Violence – Precondition for Economic Empowerment of Women (Riga, 3rd March 2015) the participants representing women’s organisations and non-governmental organizations from a number of countries developed a series of recommendations within the scope of UN Millenium Development Goals and post-2015 sustainable development agenda. The main focus was the prevention of different forms of violence against women, a necessary precondition to empower women, guarantee their human rights and unlock their full potential to contribute to the economy.
Iluta Lace awarded the Finnish decoration Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Congratulations to our partner Iluta Lace from the Marta Resource Centre for Women, who has been awarded the Finnish decoration Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland.
Iluta Lace receives the 2014 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award
Congratulations to Iluta Lace, Director of the Marta Resource Center for Women, for the 2014 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award. Iluta Lace has demonstrated exceptional courage in raising awareness and advocating for legal protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Under Iluta’s leadership, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers have provided thousands of hours of skills training, legal assistance, psychotherapy, and other services to help Latvian women and girls live lives free from violence, discrimination, and poverty.
Read the post on the U.S. Embassy website.
Practical Magic
Helena is only fifteen, but she knows. Knows what happened to Oksana, her older sister who answered an advertisement for a glamorous “model” job–then vanished into the trafficking network that imports and exports women and girls for sexual slavery.
Marta implements youth leadership development program
In Latvia, traditional roles for men and women are still very unequal.
Marta releases second digital album: Words of Power
These uplifting, poetic and soulful songs are about the strength and independence of women striving for freedom and empowerment.