Empower Peruvian Women Living in Poverty

Empowering girls in Peru is important for several reasons:

Gender Equality: Empowering girls is a fundamental aspect of promoting gender equality. By providing girls with equal opportunities, resources, and support, we can break down traditional gender roles and norms that restrict their potential. Empowering girls helps to challenge the pervasive gender disparities that exist in Peru and create a more equitable society where both girls and boys have equal rights and opportunities.

Poverty Alleviation: Empowering girls has a direct impact on poverty reduction. When girls have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty and improve their own lives as well as the lives of their families and communities. By investing in girls' education and skills development, Peru can unlock their potential to contribute to economic growth and development, ultimately leading to a more prosperous nation.

Sustainable Development: Empowering girls is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Girls and women play vital roles in various aspects of society, including education, health, environment, and governance. When girls are empowered, they become agents of change, capable of making informed decisions, advocating for their rights, and contributing to the development of their communities. Investing in girls' empowerment is an investment in the future of Peru, as it ensures a more inclusive and sustainable development trajectory.

Empowering girls in Peru is not only a matter of social justice and human rights but also a strategic imperative for the country's progress. By addressing the barriers that hold girls back and providing them with equal opportunities, Peru can tap into the immense potential of its female population, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable society.

Our Workshops:

Our workshops have 8 parts:

Part 1 : identity and culture
Aims :
To identify the problems that affect the girls in Cusco and ways to change them.

Part 2 : relationships with family and friends
Aims :
Work on establishing routes for the girls to let someone know if they are in danger. Bringing to light the dangers of social media.

Part 3 : violence and staying safe
Aims :
To become aware of the support systems of adults around them and also situations when they feel most safe. identifying 3 adults in their lives who they can trust.

Part 4 : girls rights and values
Aims :
The importance of the girls using their voice and reinforcing that their views and opinions are important and deserve to be heard.

Part 5 : gender norms and equality
Aims :
Instigate conversations about the girls' futures and what jobs they are aspiring for. Discuss gender norms in the working environment and break the stereotypes around lack of equality in the workplace.

Part 6 : the body and development
Aims :
Provide information around puberty and sexual development. Create a comfortable space to talk about subjects which may not be addressed in school.

Part 7 : sexuality and reproductive health
Aims :
To create a safe space to explore sexuality and discuss aspects of reproductive health which may not be talked about in school.

Part 8 : skills for future wellbeing
Aims :
To finish the course by positively reinforcing the things they have learnt through games and fun activities. To review how they will use the tools from the sessions to help themselves in their life in the future.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

Despite the progress made, several challenges persist in empowering girls in rural Peru. Persistent gender stereotypes, cultural norms, and socioeconomic barriers continue to hinder girls' advancement. There is a need for ongoing advocacy and awareness campaigns to challenge these norms and promote gender equality. Furthermore, sustaining and expanding the existing programs is crucial for the continued progress of girls in rural areas. Collaboration between government, NGOs, and local communities is vital to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by these girls and provide them with equal opportunities to thrive.