She has worked to advance women's rights through international rights standards and strategic litigation. Monica led the effort to decriminalize abortion in Columbia. Because of threats against her and a shooting at her Columbian office, she has been forced to work out of Spain, but shirks the moniker of 'hero.' She says that she can't be a superhero because she has no superpowers...and that is why defenders of women's rights also need defense, because they are often putting themselves in harm's way. Unlike male activists who usually have the support of family, female activists are oftimes shunned by their ow families.