Paula Flores and Irma Monreal mothers of the victims of border femicide (systematic killing of women) were invited to speak at the first event of the year for Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice ( http://abqpeaceandjustice.org/calSE2010A.html ).  The event was a chance for the mothers of the West Mesa murder victims to meet and share their experiences with the mothers of murdered women in Chihuahua City and Juarez, MX. Irma Monreal initiated the dialogue by reminding those present how violence against women crosses all borders, especially in areas most vulnerable where disenfranchised communities exist. Both mothers in their speech urged the Albuquerque community to offer all the support and cooperation to the families of the victims of the West Mesa murders.  Paula Flores in her testimony spoke of the experience she had with the inactions and abuse her family experienced with the authorities and news media, "They dismiss the cases by labeling them as prostitutes... my daughter was a student who worked; she was involved in planning her 15th birthday...  Even if that was the case, the government should ask themselves 'why?' Why would they have to dedicate themselves to prostitution, what societal force is leading them to this."

Paula added to her testimony, "...I was completely focused on what happened to my 'Reyna', all they did to my daughter, and it made me feel good in seeing what my community was lacking and doing something about it..." Paula spoke of her experience and outcome in bringing the Mexican government to an international court of law where the court ruled that Mexico was negligent in these femicides.

The mother's presenting expressed more than once the similiarities between their stories and those of the families of the West Mesa victims. Media Literacy Prject sees these tragedies and the way they are dealt with Media Justice issues that have to be elevated into the consciousness and commitment of all our communities and the leadership of our local and national government.