On International Women’s Day, commemorated every March 8, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Peru reaffirms its commitment to gender equality, sexual and reproductive rights, and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. 

Under the global theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," this day reflects on the progress made and the challenges that remain in building a fairer and more equitable world.

A Long Journey with Persistent Challenges
Over the past 30 years, significant strides have been made in securing women's rights, driven by key milestones such as the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, the 1995 Belém do Pará Convention, and more recently, the Montevideo Consensus, a regional agreement for the follow-up of the Cairo Programme of Action beyond 2014. These efforts have contributed to reducing maternal mortality, improving access to family planning, and strengthening policy frameworks and services for the prevention and response to gender-based violence. However, significant challenges persist, preventing the full realization of the rights of women and girls.

According to UN Women, gender-based violence remains one of the main barriers to achieving equality. Globally, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In humanitarian crises and emergency contexts, these numbers worsen, disproportionately affecting women and girls in situations of heightened vulnerability.

In Peru, the statistics paint an alarming picture. According to ENDES 2023, 53.8% of women of reproductive age have been victims of physical, sexual, or psychological violence by their partner. Between 2015 and 2023, 1,191 femicides were recorded in the country, with a concerning increase in recent years—from 130 in 2022 to 170 in 2023 (CEIC, MIMP). Additionally, 34.5% of women experienced some form of violence in the past 12 months. Reports of sexual violence against girls and adolescents aged 10 to 19 at Women’s Emergency Centers have doubled since 2019.

Promoting comprehensive sexuality education that fosters values based on respect for human dignity, human rights, gender equality, and intersectionality is a key strategy to prevent the inequalities that fuel violence and discrimination against women.

Condorcanqui: A Model Response for Women’s Protection
Over the past two years, UNFPA has worked in Condorcanqui, Amazonas, a region with high rates of gender-based violence and challenges in accessing justice. Through the project "Strengthening Essential Services for Gender-Based Violence Response – Nuwa Senchi," funded by the United States government, the following achievements were made:

• More than 14,000 people participated in communication and awareness strategies, promoting more equitable attitudes and access to protection services.
• Four safe spaces for women and girls were established to provide comprehensive care and protection.
• More than 2,200 gender-based violence case management sessions were conducted, providing psychological and legal support to survivors.
• 553 local actors were trained in gender-based violence prevention and response, strengthening the protection system’s capacity.

The establishment of a Gesell Chamber in Nieva has enabled survivors of violence to access judicial proceedings without revictimization. "Now women have a space where their voices are heard with dignity," says Dafne, a psychologist and field worker in El Cenepa.

Advancing Together: UNFPA’s Commitment to a Future Free of Violence
With a strong focus on violence prevention, the transformation of discriminatory gender norms, and sexual and reproductive rights, UNFPA is implementing the "Unleashing Their Potential, Advancing Together" project, funded by the Government of Canada. This initiative benefits girls, adolescents, and young women in Ayacucho, Piura, and San Juan de Lurigancho by:

• Preventing adolescent pregnancies and promoting family planning.
• Eliminating child marriage and early unions.
• Reducing gender-based violence and strengthening access to justice.
• Transforming social norms to advance gender equality.

"I hope this project gives us more opportunities and makes us feel safe in our district," expressed Adriana Fernández, a 12-year-old migrant adolescent, during the project launch in San Juan de Lurigancho. These testimonies highlight the vital impact of such initiatives on the lives of thousands of girls and women across the country.
 

The Path to Equality: Urgent Action and Collective Commitment
UNFPA and the broader United Nations system reaffirm that gender equality is fundamental to sustainable development. Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services for girls and women, safeguarding their protection from violence, and promoting their full participation in political, economic, and social life are essential pillars for a more just and equitable future.
Strengthening budgetary frameworks and enhancing the leadership of the Ministry of Women to guide public policies that support girls and women is crucial to guaranteeing the exercise of their rights and a life free from violence. This March 8 is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of women and girls leading change in their communities and to reaffirm our commitment to building a country where all women and girls can exercise their rights with dignity and equality. At UNFPA Peru, we continue to strengthen strategies and programs that empower every girl, adolescent, and young woman to make autonomous decisions about their lives and future, and to live free from all forms of violence.