At Mujeres Unidas y Activas, we are deeply disturbed and outraged by the reports of abuse involving César Chávez. As an organization rooted in the fight for dignity, justice, and human rights, it is painful and unacceptable to hear allegations of violence and abuse connected to someone whose legacy has long been associated with social justice. Abuse and violence against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people are never acceptable, no matter who the person is or how much power or recognition they hold.
For too long, men in positions of power have not been held accountable for the harm they cause. We are seeing this at the highest levels of government and corporate suites. It is something women, LGBTQ+ people, and marginalized communities witness and experience every day. Systems of power have historically protected -- and far too often continue to protect -- those who commit abuse, while survivors are silenced, doubted, or forced to carry the burden alone. This must change.
The struggle to improve the working conditions of farmworkers has been long. MUA has participated in actions in solidarity with this powerful movement, and we will continue to do so.
We stand in solidarity with all survivors of gender-based violence and with those who have been affected by this harm. We stand with Ana Murguía, Debra Rojas, Dolores Huerta, and all individuals who have spoken out, as well as those who continue to carry the pain of abuse. We emphasize that this movement is much bigger than the abuses committed by one man.
A core part of the struggle to improve labor conditions in the immigrant community is to stand up against gender-based violence in the workplace. Farmworkers, janitors, domestic workers, warehouse workers, hotel cleaners, and sex workers have fought for years to end sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. For years, we have advocated for worker safety from violence and assault, such as for hotel cleaners in Oakland, While we have won new laws providing protections against abuse, too often those laws are ignored.
Within MUA, many of us carry our own stories of sexual abuse by powerful men, whether a supervisor, a family member, or an intimate partner. A core part of our work is to put an end to these cycles of harm, heal from trauma and demand accountability.
We believe in a world where people who commit acts of violence and abuse are held accountable and do not get away with harming others. Violence against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people is unacceptable. It must stop. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and treated with dignity regardless of their age, race, identity, or circumstances.
At Mujeres Unidas y Activas, we remain committed to building communities where women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people can live with dignity, safety, and the freedom to control their own bodies and lives. Our work is rooted in community education, collective healing, and the belief that power must be transformed from domination and control to respect, accountability, and mutual care.
We will continue to stand with survivors and to fight for justice, safety, and the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and all marginalized communities!