News 09 December 2025 IOM Goodwill Ambassador America Ferrera Champions Migrant Women During Visit to Mexico

Geneva/Mexico City, 12 December 2025 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Global Goodwill Ambassador and award-winning actress America Ferrera visited Mexico City this week to meet with local partners and migrant women. An acclaimed actor and advocate, her visit highlighted women's experiences and the work of community partners to strengthen protection, promote inclusion, and expand safe and dignified migration pathways.

"I had the privilege of meeting incredible women in Mexico City who, with IOM's support, are working to heal, provide for their families, and build a new future," said Ferrera. "In many of their stories, I saw reflections of my own family's journey. Their resilience and determination show the powerful contributions people bring to the communities that welcome them, and I will carry their stories with me as I continue supporting efforts to ensure migrants are met with humanity, safety, and real opportunities."

During the visit, Ferrera met with migrant women participating in Mujeres Migrantes Tejiendo Futuros, a textile initiative supported by IOM and the Mexican brand Básicos de México (BSCS) that fosters skills, community, and future economic opportunities. She also heard directly from the women about their journeys, their goals, and how safe opportunities help them rebuild their lives.

She also visited CAFEMIN, a shelter that supports migrant women and their families in Mexico City. The visit underscored the importance of local organizations in providing safe spaces, protection, and essential services. There, she spoke with women about their lives and learned more about how IOM works alongside CAFEMIN to promote safety, referrals, and access to services.

Ferrera joined a roundtable discussion on preventing human trafficking and addressing discrimination against migrants in Mexico. The meeting brought together civil society representatives, local organizations, and IOM to examine the risks migrants face and the importance of early prevention and community-based support. Participants discussed the particular vulnerabilities faced by women and children along migration routes and the role of community-based support in prevention.

"America Ferrera's visit helps bring visibility to the strength and determination of migrant women," said Dana Graber Ladek, IOM Chief of Mission in Mexico. "Listening to their stories makes clear that when women are safe and a have a fair chance to work, they build their own futures and uplift their communities. IOM will keep working with partners across Mexico to make sure migration is met with dignity, protection, and real opportunities."

In Mexico, IOM works with government and community partners to strengthen protection systems, expand regular pathways, support access to essential services, and assist host communities. Ferrera's visit brings visibility to these efforts and highlights the dignity and potential of migrants across the region.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.