Since taking office as the head of the Office of the Women’s Advocate (OPM, in Spanish), Astrid Piñeiro Vázquez says she hasn’t stopped working. While her appointment bypassed input from feminist groups, many of which were instrumental in creating the agency, she insists she’s qualified to lead the office, which was established in 2001 through Act 20.

The OPM is an independent agency created to monitor the implementation of Puerto Rico’s public policy on gender equity, ensuring that both public and private entities comply. It was a hard-won achievement driven by feminist advocates, including the agency’s first director, María Dolores “Tati” Fernós.

“I’m committed to continuing that mission,” Piñeiro Vázquez said. “Women’s issues have always been part of my fight.”

A 36-year-old attorney from the southeastern town of Yabucoa and a mother of one, she said her advocacy began early — “as the only girl among three siblings,” she recalled. “In school, I was always the one the girls asked to speak up and demand equal treatment.”

Though largely unknown to Puerto Rico’s feminist and gender justice organizations, Piñeiro Vázquez said she understands the concerns voiced by many about how she was appointed. But she emphasized that she’s focused on action.

“I get it,” she said of the skepticism. “But I didn’t come here to keep a chair warm. I came to work.”

“Really, I’m not here for anyone’s approval,” she added. “I’m here to work for women, and that’s what I’ve been doing this past month.”

Before her confirmation as Women’s Advocate, Piñeiro Vázquez served two terms as a municipal legislator in Yabucoa, representing the pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP, in Spanish). She later worked in the Puerto Rico Senate, where she headed the Humacao district office and directed both the Recreation and Sports Committee and the Women’s Affairs Committee. In that role, she promoted legislation in support of breastfeeding mothers and other initiatives aimed at improving women’s quality of life.

Between 2020 and 2024, she worked in the Washington, D.C. office of then-Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, focusing on senior citizen outreach, immigration, and Social Security issues. In January, Governor González Colón appointed her to lead the Office for Socioeconomic and Community Development (ODSEC, in Spanish), a role she was confirmed for in March. Days later, however, she was tapped to lead the OPM.

Currently undergoing chemotherapy for stage-three breast cancer, Piñeiro Vázquez met with journalists from Todas and the Center for Investigative Journalism in the OPM’s conference room. She spoke candidly about the agency’s challenges, her policy priorities, and her plans moving forward, especially as the Trump administration has proposed slashing millions in federal funding for services that support survivors of gender-based violence and their children, a move that would directly affect Puerto Rico.

What follows is part of a wide-ranging conversation between Todas journalists Cristina del Mar Quiles and Mariela Fullana Acosta with Piñeiro Vázquez. The new Women’s Advocate spoke openly about her controversial appointment, her policy priorities, and the challenges of leading an office founded by feminist advocates — but now headed by a political appointee who lacks their support.

Your appointment was confirmed without a public hearing and without input from the organizations that helped establish the OPM. These groups have a long track record of feminist activism. How do you feel about that?

I didn’t choose the process. Just two weeks earlier, I had already gone through a confirmation process for another role. I understand these are completely different positions, but the Legislature chose to fast-track my nomination. That wasn’t my decision either. Lawmakers already knew my resume and character. I grew up working in the Legislature. They’ve seen my professional growth and, more importantly, my commitment to public service. You can’t write a drive into a resume — but I’ve always had it, and I’ve proven it in every job I’ve had.

Do you feel qualified to lead the OPM?

Absolutely. The law says the Executive may consult with “non-governmental groups identified with women’s rights and gender equity,” but it’s not mandatory. I understand the concerns people have about whether I’m prepared for this role. But I believe this first month speaks for itself — and I plan to keep proving that over the next 10 years.”

Have you met with organizations that are central to the fight for gender equity and against gender-based violence?

Yes, I just met with Ayuda Legal before coming here. I’ve also been very active with the Shelter Network. I’ve focused on them because they expressed a clear need for stronger collaboration with the OPM. I’ve been listening to what they need and visiting shelters to see the conditions firsthand.

What would you say is the main challenge for this office?

In both agencies I’ve worked with recently, the biggest challenge has been integrating teams and making people feel heard. At the OPM, there hadn’t been a permanent advocate in over three years. Staff need stability. Since I arrived, I’ve worked to build that connection.

What do you consider the greatest strength of the law that created the OPM?

The fact that the law created this office is itself a strength — it put gender equity on the map. The original law already envisioned an expansive role, not just focusing on violence. While the emergency we’ve recently dealt with has been gender violence, we were also called to work on prevention and education. Broadening our scope doesn’t mean we’re ignoring violence. On the contrary, giving women more tools and support helps them break the cycle.

You were first nominated to lead ODSEC. How did the transition happen, and how did you immerse yourself in the OPM’s work?

Women’s issues have always been part of my path. In college, I was drawn to gender studies and sociology. Later, I led the Women’s Affairs Commission in the Legislature. So when the governor offered me this position, she knew my passion was real. I’ve used every space I’ve worked in to uplift women — from Yabucoa to D.C. It’s not about luck. I come from a poor town and a public school background, and I’ve made that part of my advocacy.

Some organizations have expressed frustration with what they see as a passive response from your office regarding potential federal funding cuts for gender violence programs. What’s your plan?

It’s still too early to know the final impact, and I’ve asked organizations not to panic. As a precaution, I’ve begun conversations with the Senate to increase the OPM’s budget from $4.6 million to $9.6 million. That wouldn’t fully cover the needs of shelters that depend on federal funding, but it’s a start.

As of April, the Gender Equity Observatory reported 15 femicides, including eight classified as intimate partner killings. What’s your office doing in response?

Even one case is too many. We’ve been promoting awareness of our helpline and highlighting shelters — including those that now accept pets, which helps survivors who won’t leave without their animals. I’ve also been visiting shelters and working directly with interagency teams. Housing remains one of the biggest concerns, and I’ve had productive meetings with the Secretary of Housing. I’ve also shared proposals that came from shelter directors.

Of those eight intimate femicides, seven involved firearms. Do you support restricting gun access?

Yes. Of the seven, five were committed with legal firearms. That should concern everyone. I’ll support any measure that helps protect women.

The OPM once promoted the idea of encouraging survivors to arm themselves. What’s your position?

Survivors who feel safer owning a firearm should have that option. I own a gun, and I chose to because I often work late and travel alone. But it’s critical that only those who are qualified and responsible have access.

Your office reports an 86% increase in sexual violence cases between 2020 and 2024. What explains the rise?

More reports don’t necessarily mean more incidents — just more visibility. Most sexual violence goes unreported, especially when the perpetrator is someone close. Families often keep it quiet to avoid disruption. Campaigns like Denim Day are about telling survivors they don’t have to stay silent, and that we will support them.

What’s your strategy to address this issue?

Education is key. We’ve been holding school talks, online seminars, and campaigns that raise awareness. We need to make it easier for young people, families, schools, churches, and communities to talk about these issues.

Are you in favor of gender perspective education?

That’s a decision for the government’s public policy. What I promote is respect and human dignity. Whether or not it’s called “gender perspective,” what matters is that the values are there. We’ve already implemented an emotional intelligence curriculum and are reviewing one on domestic violence.

You worked with Governor González when she was Resident Commissioner. Does your agenda align with hers?

The law requires me to act independently, and that’s how I’ve operated. For example, I testified in favor of a bill to strengthen police training on gender violence, even though it addressed shortcomings within the police, who are often the first to respond. That’s the kind of accountability I’ll continue to show.

What’s your position on protections for immigrant women?

I worked closely on immigration issues when I was in Washington, and I’m aware of the needs in that community. Immigration policy is federal, but at the OPM, we serve anyone who comes through our doors. I also have a meeting scheduled with the Dominican House to strengthen those ties.

Does your office include trans women in its definition of “women”?

Yes. The OPM serves everyone — women, trans women, men. I’m here to work for equity and fair treatment for all, no matter how you identify.

What’s your position on abortion rights in Puerto Rico?

I believe in protecting every right that’s already been won. Any woman who chooses to have an abortion should be able to do so in a safe and healthy environment.

Black women in Puerto Rico face overlapping vulnerabilities, including poverty and systemic racism. What is the OPM doing to address racial injustice?

I understand those challenges. I come from a poor town myself. Right now, we’re focused on building alliances — including with the Department of Labor and the Economic Development Bank — to deliver services to marginalized communities. Many women want to start businesses but don’t know where to turn or even how to get to the metro area. We’re working to close those gaps.

Besides addressing gender violence, what other priorities are on your agenda?

Prevention is critical. I’ve been giving talks in schools to reach young people who might be growing up with violence. If no one tells them it’s wrong, they’ll repeat it. We’re also focusing on older adults, who often face violence, including financial abuse, but don’t report it. These groups haven’t been the focus before, but they will be now.

[After this interview, Governor Jenniffer González Colón signed an amendment to the law that created  the Office of the Women’s Advocate. The amendment states that if the position becomes vacant, the new appointee will serve a full 10-year term, rather than completing the remainder of their predecessor’s term, as was previously required.]

This translation was generated with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.