Victoria Donda Argentine human rights activist Date of Birth: 08.1977Год Country: Argentina

1. Victoria Donda: A Symbol of Resilience and Resistance
2. Her Early Life and Discovery of Identity
3. Her Journey in Human Rights
4. Her Political Career

Victoria Donda: A Symbol of Resilience and Resistance

Victoria Donda is an Argentine human rights activist and National Congresswoman for the left-wing Southern Movement for Freedom. She is the granddaughter of one of the founders of the "Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo" organization, Leonor Pueble de Perez. Her parents, Maria Hilda Perez de Donda and Jose Maria Laureano Donda, were victims of Argentina's "Dirty War."

Her Early Life and Discovery of Identity

Victoria was born while her mother was imprisoned in ESMA, a notorious secret detention and torture center during the military dictatorship. Her parents were reported as "disappeared," and her paternal uncle was the navy officer responsible for their detention, torture, and murder. After her mother's death, the infant Victoria was given to an adoptive family who was unaware of her biological history.

In 2003, with the assistance of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo and H.I.J.O.S. (Children by Identity and Justice Against Oblivion and Silence), a search was initiated to find her true identity. Her parentage was confirmed in 2004, making her the 78th grandchild identified by the organization.

Her Journey in Human Rights

Victoria had already been active in social causes before her identity was discovered. She had campaigned for human rights and worked to address poverty. During the protests of December 2001, she participated in the occupation of the National Congress. She pursued a law degree at the University of Buenos Aires, becoming a lawyer and human rights activist.

Her Political Career

Victoria joined the Southern Movement for Freedom and was elected to the lower house of the Argentine National Congress in 2007 on the Front for Victory list. She was the youngest congresswoman ever elected and the first to be born while her parents were imprisoned during the Dirty War. As a congresswoman, she has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly for women and youth.

In 2011, she ran for reelection as part of the Broad Progressive Front, which later transformed into the socialist coalition Progressive. In 2015, she headed the coalition's list for the legislative elections. Throughout her time in Congress, she has introduced numerous bills and amendments to expand human rights protections.