Freedom House interviewed Jacquie Marte, Program Manager on their Latin America and Caribbean programs team, to discuss her experiences working alongside leaders shaping the future of democracy in the region.
This statement was originally published on freedomhouse.org on 3 October 2024.
From September 15, a day when five Central American nations mark their independence, to October 15, the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the cultural impact of that 60-million-strong community. The celebration was recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month when it was legally established in 1988 but is increasingly marked by many in the community as Latinx Heritage Month.
This month also serves as an opportunity to highlight the dedication of activists and citizens in Latin American and Caribbean countries like Guatemala, where Indigenous people led mass mobilizations to ensure the installation of a democratically elected president; and Venezuela, where citizens protested the manipulated July elections in the face of violence and intimidation. To mark the occasion, we interviewed Jacquie Marte, Program Manager on our Latin America and Caribbean programs team, to discuss her experiences working alongside leaders shaping the future of democracy in the region.
Despite challenges, advocates across Latin America and the Caribbean have continued to innovate to advance their work. What do you believe are key democratic victories that the rest of the world can learn from?
Human rights defenders (HRDs) across the region have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity in their efforts, even in the face of daunting obstacles.
Key local milestones offer important lessons for the global community. For instance, there is a tremendous power in peaceful assembly and public protest. Consider Cuba’s July 11, 2021, demonstrations, where Cubans took to the streets in massive numbers for fundamental freedoms and economic security, or the 2018 demonstrations in Nicaragua, which were prompted by harsh social-security reform legislation. In July 2024, Venezuelans mounted peaceful protests in response to that month’s manipulated elections, only for authorities to employ violence and impose a crackdown on independent media. These protest actions all underscore the deep-seated human desire for democratic values and liberty. These events also highlight that even in repressive environments, people’s yearning for rights and self-determination remains a core aspect of humanity, not merely as a political ideal but integral to our quest for self-actualization.
While international support often focuses on providing tools and capacity-building, there is much to learn from the survival skills developed in these challenging contexts. The strength and resourcefulness HRDs demonstrate in these environments can offer lessons and inspiration for activists elsewhere. But their plight should also remind others to be vigilant in the face of creeping autocracy; mass mobilization campaigns mounted against authoritarian rulers often occur after early warning signs have been overlooked. We should pay closer attention to these indicators, even in countries that do not receive significant international attention or democracy-promotion funding. Ignoring these signals can lead to a misunderstanding of the situation’s severity and a missed opportunity for timely action.
These experiences emphasize that democracy is an evolving process connected to fundamental human aspirations; by learning from the courageous acts of activists and ordinary citizens, we can better support democratic movements globally and respond effectively to emerging threats.
Latin American and Caribbean communities are diverse, but exclusion is also prevalent, particularly of Afro and Indigenous people. What strategies are effective to counter exclusion and involve different communities in each stage of the effort to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom in the region?
By integrating individuals from our communities into decision-making roles and leadership positions, we ensure that voices are heard and valued. It is essential to move beyond token representation and genuinely include people from diverse backgrounds in all stages of the democratization process.
Additionally, recognizing and valuing traditional knowledge and lived experiences is crucial. These insights are often undervalued compared to formal academic credentials. Yet they offer critical perspectives that can significantly enhance our understanding and approach to complex issues related to democracy and human rights. Lived experience is as valuable as theoretical knowledge.
Lastly, addressing systemic barriers that perpetuate exclusion is vital. To drive meaningful change, we must support real policies and actions – with genuine commitment from leaders and financial backing – to secure representation and inclusion.
Latinx representation in the field of prodemocracy work is growing. What is it like to do this work as a Latina, and how does a cultural connection to the work create opportunities for engagement and innovation?
As an Afro-Latina working in democracy and governance – a field where few share my background – my cultural heritage profoundly shapes both the challenges and opportunities I encounter. Navigating a field that is intertwined with a colonial history, I see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity. Staying true to my identity and heritage allows me to present a perspective that counters those that are often embedded in these systems. While voicing dissenting views can be challenging, it also provides an opportunity to build genuine, respectful partnerships with leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean. This cultural connection enables me to engage meaningfully in ways that honor local contexts and support people’s right to self-determination.
Regarding innovation, our field still has a long way to go to move beyond traditional methods and mindsets. This often involves challenging donor perspectives and internal organizational structures. For me, allowing the local context to guide the process of innovation is crucial. By embracing local leadership and perspectives, we can foster a more sustainable and long-term impact.
This Latinx Heritage Month, what advice do you have for future leaders that wish to do prodemocracy work? Why are their voices important in this field?
My advice for future Latinx leaders aspiring to work in our field is simple: Do it and do it now. The future you envision for yourself, and our communities is within your grasp. For too long, the trajectory of our communities has been shaped by agendas that do not always align with our best interests. Your voice is crucial in this field because it brings a unique perspective that is deeply informed by your experiences and heritage.
Your presence and participation are not just valuable; they are essential. Do not let anyone undermine your sense of belonging in these spaces. Your voice matters, your experiences are significant, and you have every right to be a leader in shaping democratic processes.
