On this emblematic date, we highlight the importance of female inclusion in building a more equal world. Women from around the world, with their leadership and resilience, are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
From the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Peru, we showcase three stories of women who inspire us through their dedication and tireless work to strengthen the inclusion and well-being of women living in vulnerable situations in different parts of the country.
They drive development and promote social change, lead health centers, combat gender-based violence and discrimination, and empower their peers, even in highly challenging situations such as the El Niño Phenomenon, the COVID-19 pandemic, or the harassment and violence that accompany racism.
Bertha Liñán
The story of Bertha Liñán, coordinator of the obstetric service at Santa Julia Health Center in Piura, is a source of inspiration. Amid adverse conditions such as floods and climate crises, Bertha and her team have worked tirelessly to maintain access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, psychological support, and legal advice, especially for women and girls in vulnerable situations. The intervention of the "Saving Lives" project was instrumental in this effort, allowing more women to be reached and improving the response to gender-based violence and other health challenges in the community. One outcome of this intervention, in 2023, was the over 18,000 people who received care at health facilities strengthened with sexual and reproductive health kits, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of the population, especially women and adolescents.
The Santa Julia Health Center in Piura, recognized for its outstanding work in preventing violence against women, has a unique model in the country that provides sexual and reproductive health care, psychological support, and legal advice for women affected during the climate crisis, all in one facility.
Ernestina Ochoa
Ernestina was insulted and treated like a thief by a police officer at a bus station because the color of her skin made her suspicious. Despite the complaint filed and witnesses in her favor, there was no vindication or apology. "The racial violence and discrimination that we Afro women experience never changes. Because we are women, because we are black, because we are workers. It is not visible," emphasizes Ernestina, an activist who continues to fight for her rights and those of other Afro-Peruvian women living in Villa El Salvador, south of Lima.
According to the Study on Afro-Peruvian Population, conducted by the Ministry of Culture and GRADE (2015), physical and psychological violence affects approximately one-fourth of Afro-Peruvian women, including teenagers and young women. According to the same study, overcrowding and housing conditions are the dimensions in which the Afro-Peruvian population has a more unfavorable situation compared to the entire Peruvian population.
Ernestina's testimony could be the same as that of thousands of women who navigate cities with the fear of being attacked daily because of their appearance or color, a matter that constitutes a serious obstacle to achieving substantive equality between women and men and the full development of women's potential.
Watch the video about Ernestina's story.
Lilian León
Lilian León, an Afro-Peruvian artisan, emerges as an emblematic leader in the fight against violence towards women in northern Peru, affected by the climate crisis. Her story is a testament to resilience and empowerment, highlighting how, alongside 36 other community leaders, she contributed to establishing safe spaces and providing essential support for affected women. Lilian's determination to confront environmental and social challenges reflects a powerful example of inclusion and solidarity.
Lilian and her colleagues not only confront violence but also address the complex interactions between the climate crisis and social vulnerability. In 2023, more than 870 women and adolescents from the regions of Tumbes, Piura, and Lambayeque found refuge in the 13 safe spaces implemented with funds from the CERF, due to the increase in gender-based violence caused by the El Niño Phenomenon. The work of women like Lilian underscores the importance of solidarity and female empowerment in times of adversity, demonstrating that change is possible through unity and courage.
In the year commemorating the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development and on International Women's Day, we recognize the stories of women who symbolize resilience and change in our societies. These are narratives that reflect the fight against discrimination, empowerment in the face of adversity, and the importance of giving voice to women. These stories remind us of the urgency to continue advocating for bodily autonomy and the rights of all, especially the most marginalized, to build a more inclusive and equal future.
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Check out the results of the "Saving Lives" Project, funded by the CERF, where UNFPA's response to the climate crisis prioritized sexual and reproductive rights and protected thousands of vulnerable women and adolescents. |