Lima, Peru - In a joint effort to empower women and prevent violence against women, the Guardian Girls Aikido seminar was successfully held on May 31 at VIDENA, located in the district of San Luis.

It is important to highlight that in Peru, 1 out of 2 women has been a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lives. In 2023 alone, 30,837 people received assistance for sexual violence at the Women’s Emergency Centers, of which approximately 7 out of 10 were underage girls.

This event, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Peru, Guardian Girls International, the International Aikido Federation, the Peruvian Aikido Aikikai Confederation, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Peru, brought together nearly fifty women over the age of 18. It is also noteworthy that the seminar took place as part of the activities of APEC Ciudadano Peru 2024, which aims to bring this Asia-Pacific Forum, currently being held in the country, closer to the public and to incorporate activities and topics related to their needs into the agenda, such as the prevention of violence against women.

Guardian Girls, a global ally of UNFPA, is dedicated to the prevention of gender-based violence through training in martial arts such as aikido, karate, and judo. This initiative not only focuses on teaching self-defense techniques but also aims to empower women by providing them with the necessary tools to face risky situations and strengthen their confidence and self-esteem.

The seminar participants highlighted several key benefits achieved by attending:

• Empowerment through Aikido: Women learned self-defense techniques in a supportive and self-help environment, reinforcing their confidence and skills.
• Community Building: The event allowed participants to connect and create networks with other women who value respect and mutual support.
• Gender Violence Prevention: They acquired practical skills that contribute to a safe and violence-free environment.

The event was attended by notable personalities, including Mr. Yamamoto Tsuyoshi, Ambassador of Japan; Mr. Shin Koyamada, CEO of Guardian Girls International; Mr. Héctor Miranda, President of the Latin American Aikido Union; Mr. Ronny García, President of the Peruvian Aikido Confederation; and Dr. Hugo González, UNFPA Representative in Peru.

This seminar is a clear example of how international cooperation and commitment to gender equality can generate a positive impact in the community. The Guardian Girls initiative will continue its work in the country by creating a club where interested women can participate, as well as through various events aimed at female empowerment and violence prevention, using martial arts as a key tool.

UNFPA in Peru reaffirms its commitment to continue working with its allies to promote the safety, empowerment, and well-being of all women.

Press Contact:

• Renato Zeballos - United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Peru
• Email: zeballos@unfpa.org
• Website: peru.unfpa.org
• For more information about Guardian Girls Aikido and its programs, visit: https://guardiangirls.org/