NIWRC and STTARS Celebrate the Newly Confirmed Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, Rosie Hidalgo
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The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Resource Center (STTARS) Celebrate the Newly Confirmed Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), Rosie Hidalgo
(LAME DEER, Mont., July 14, 2023)—The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) and the STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center (STTARS) celebrate the appointment of Rosie Hidalgo on July 11 as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Director Hidalgo has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our core mission of ending gender-based violence, asserting the necessary, full restoration of Tribal sovereignty best to safeguard Native women and children across Indian Country.
“Rosie’s incredible diplomacy, her deep conviction for survivor safety, and her intentional approach to addressing gender-based violence will continue to improve the response to violence in all communities. For STTARS, we are confident her confirmation will translate into increased access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing and shelter for Indigenous survivors,” said Caroline LaPorte, Director of STTARS.
In April, LaPorte attended the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls to represent NIWRC and STTARS. This initial meeting, hosted and tirelessly coordinated by Hidalgo and other United States Government Representatives, aimed to address the pressing issue of gender-based violence impacting Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
“NIWRC and STTARS were excited to see the historic confirmation of Director Hidalgo,” said Lucy Simpson, Executive Director of NIWRC. “We are hopeful for what this means for our shared work. With over 25 years of experience in legislative policy development and implementation, advocacy, grant and program management, and training nationally and globally, her dedication to combating violence as a leader is clear.”
Under her leadership, we anticipate that Rosie will continue to be a beacon of hope and support for survivors, working towards policy changes that impact survivors' safety and well-being, creating a future free from violence for all Native communities.
