Gabriela

 Gabriela* is a very strong woman. In her own words, she is “irreverent, revolutionary, allergic to any type of authority.” These words are supported by her actions, as she fought tirelessly for women's rights despite opposition and abuse in her home country. “[There] a husband can murder his wife and everything is fine. Everyone agrees.” When she began to express her opinion that men did not have the right to subjugate women, and that women therefore had a right to equal protection in the family and judicial system, she was threatened and beaten harshly by her husband.

Gabriela continued fighting for what she believed to be right, even as the abuse grew exceedingly cruel. Gabriela divorced her abusive husband and sought protection from the authorities, but her husband, a high-ranking military officer, used his connections to prevent her from receiving help. Still, she remained strong, and formed her own group for women who had been abused by their military spouses and denied police protection; in her opinion, “If you don't accept something, you have to fight for it.” Nevertheless, Gabriela continued to receive threats from her former husband and, fearing for her safety, she finally fled to the United States.

Through a women's shelter in the U.S. where she sought help, Gabriela was put in touch with American Gateways. “I was in the desert, and American Gateways was a Coca Cola”. American Gateways helped her file for asylum, and won. However, the ruling was appealed and the appellation process lasted ten years, but finally Gabriela was granted asylum in the United States. “Thanks be to God that I came to this country that is so beautiful, the best in the world! Long live liberty!... Here, I have rights. There [in my home country], I didn't. The constitution here is the best. It is not perfect, but it is the best that there is.”

Gabriela is so grateful for everything that she received at American Gateways. “Everything that I am is because of American Gateways. God willing that American Gateways helps many more women, because it is so hard... American Gateways is the most formidable [organization] that there is. The pro bono attorneys here are greatly needed... Here, they orient you. They tell you your rights, what you can do. They support you, with these arms [weapons]”. She now wants to study politics and start a shelter for women like her.

*Name changed