[2] The initiative to form the CMP, led by Mercedes Sandoval de Hempel,[3] has been characterised as a significant turning point in the articulation of women's rights after three decades of violent dictatorship under Alfredo Stroessner.
[4] After the dictatorship, the CMP showed a new professionalism in making the case for gender equality.
[5] In the 1998 Paraguayan general election the CMP presented a 13-point platform of feminist policy proposals.
[6] In 1999 the CMP lobbied for a law explicitly outlawing domestic violence against women,[7] resulting in legislation in 2000.
[8] Groups under the umbrella of the CMP today are Aireana - Group for Lesbian Rights, the Trinidad Association, the Community Support Educational Base (BECA), the Documentation and Studies Center (CDE), Kuña Róga, and United in Hope (UNES).