About Martha

The MARTA Center is a leading women's rights organization operating in Latvia since 2000. MARTA's goal is to build a civil society based on gender equality, serving women and defending their rights.

The MARTA Center is the only organization in Latvia that provides professional social, legal, and psychological services to adult victims of violence and human trafficking, and provides assistance to women and their children who are in vulnerable life situations.

MARTA Center specialists are accustomed to seeking the most complex solutions to improve the lives of women and their children, inspired by remarkable examples of women's rights around the world.

All services

The vision of the MARTA Center

Legal and factual gender equality as well as a safe and free life.

The mission of the MARTA Center

To promote the protection of the rights of women, youth and children, improve the socio-economic situation and create a safe environment. We promote the development of mutual support, understanding and solidarity among women, regardless of age, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

MARTA Center:

Participates in the development of legislation and policy-making in the field of gender equality and violence prevention.
Cooperates with state and local government institutions, schools, NGOs and international partners.
Actively works in the field of violence prevention, developing powerful youth programs to reduce violence among young people and prevent violence from becoming the norm.

Provides training to law enforcement and social service personnel to improve their ability to respond to incidents of violence.

Implements development cooperation projects abroad, including Ukraine.

Strategy 2024 - 2026

Statutes

Annual reports

Work at the MARTA Center is based on values

Respect

To every person, regardless of gender, age, nationality, or life experience.

Freedom

Make decisions about your life and receive support without judgment.

Responsibility

A careful and professional attitude towards one's duties and the courage to stand up for justice.

MARTA Center's participation in organizations

The MARTA Center is actively involved in several international and local organizations focused on defending women's rights and promoting gender equality.

Latvian Civic Alliance – the largest umbrella organization defending the interests of the non-governmental sector, whose goal is to promote the development of civil society and strengthen democratic values in Latvia;

Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS), which unites Latvian non-governmental organizations working in the field of development cooperation and global education. Membership in LAPAS allows MARTA to collaborate with other organizations to promote women's rights and gender equality both in Latvia and internationally;

Child Welfare Network – an association that unites non-governmental organizations and members from various fields with a common goal – to promote the protection of children's rights and needs.

Coalition for the Abolition of Prostitution (CAP International) – an international coalition of local interest organizations that unites efforts to eradicate prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation;

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) – an international union of rural women that unites rural women and rural women's organizations to address issues related to community isolation, discrimination, and lack of political representation;

Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) – a network of women's non-governmental organizations working to prevent violence and protect women and children from violence in Europe;

Brussels' Call – a network of Members of the European Parliament and civil society organisations working to combat violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on the eradication of prostitution.

Women for Peace Dialogue – a platform that promotes women's involvement in conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in sustainable security and development processes, providing support and resources to women involved in promoting peace and security.

MARTA Center Team / Board

Inge Engeland Johansen (Inge Engeland Johansen)

Chairman of the Board

A Norwegian social worker and long-time activist who has actively supported the development of social work in Latvia since 1994. Inge is the Chair of the Board of Centrs MARTA and the Regional Secretary of the Norwegian Association of Social Workers and Social Educators, promoting social justice and gender equality in both Latvia and Norway.

Kamilla Komonena (Camilla Komonen)

Board member

Executive Director of Finlands svenska Marthaförbund rf, a Finnish organization that works to strengthen people's practical everyday skills - from household management and financial literacy to sustainable lifestyle habits. Both Kamilla and the organization aim to promote positive change in society, creating an inclusive and better world for everyone.

Iluta Lāce

Board member

The head of the MARTA Center, a feminist and human rights activist who has been advocating for women's rights and gender equality in Latvia and internationally for over 25 years. Her expertise on the protection of women's rights and the prevention of violence has been provided both in Latvia and in Russia, Moldova, Turkey, Central Asian countries, the Seychelles and other places in the world. Iluta actively participates in the formation of social policy and promotes the development of support services for women who find themselves in vulnerable and violent situations.

Dita Lāce

Board member

Co-founder of the MARTA Center, a professional environmentalist with a clear belief in the need for a gender-equal society. Her work and life's calling is to promote gender equality and build a sustainable, inclusive future where everyone has equal opportunities.