About Gisela

Gisela Ortiz is a Peruvian human rights activist, 53 years old, whose life was forever marked by the forced disappearance of her brother, Luis Enrique, in 1992, during the dictatorship of Alberto Fujimori. Since then, she has dedicated herself tirelessly to defending truth, justice, and dignity for the families of victims of Peru’s internal armed conflict.

With a background in business administration, Gisela has combined her professional training with her deep social and political commitment, becoming one of the most recognized voices in the fight for human rights and memory in Peru.

Beyond her activism, Gisela also creates handmade products. These are not only artistic expressions but also a source of income that helps sustain her human rights work. Through this effort, she continues to support the families of victims of violence and collaborates closely with the Equipo Peruano de Antropología Forense (EPAF), whose work in search, identification, and restitution of victims has been vital for truth and justice in Peru.

For Gisela, every handmade piece carries a dual purpose: it is both a gesture of creativity and care, and a means to continue her lifelong mission of solidarity and justice.