In Colombia’s rural areas, women face numerous obstacles: gender-based violence, lack of recognition and exclusion from political decision-making. Through training and networks, they are now raising their voices and claiming their rights – which is bringing about profound social change.
Facts
Aims
The project promotes gender equality and male co-responsibility in the targeted regions of Colombia. It also protects the rights and political and economic empowerment of women. It addresses certain problems endemic to society, notably gender-based violence, whether sexual, psychological, political or economic.
The project is financially supported by the SDC.
“No peace will be possible as long as violence against women continues.” A powerful message in large yellow letters emblazoned on Ledis Margoth’s purple T-shirt. In her equally committed speech, she adds: “On behalf of the women of Sucre, I demand that the Colombian government prove that it is taking concrete measures to protect the lives and rights of women.”
No recognition for essential work
Gender-based violence remains a major challenge in Colombia and prevents women from participating in public life on an equal level. This situation is even more significant in rural areas. Additionally, women are often limited to childcare, housework and vegetable growing and can often only do paid work part-time. Because of this multiple burden and the resulting low income, women remain economically dependent on their husbands. Although their work is essential for their family and society, they receive hardly any recognition.
Auryn María Montes Chávez describes herself as the foundation of her family. Nevertheless, her hard work goes unrecognised. “I know when I’m going to get up, but never when I’m going to go to bed. I work from early in the morning until late at night. I farm a piece of land that doesn’t belong to me. We women in rural areas are not recognised by the state or society. Institutions fail to provide us with training and project support.”
Auryn María Montes Chávez defines herself as the pillar of her family. In spite of this, she toils without recognition.
“I know when I’m going to get up, but never when I’m going to go to bed. I work from early in the morning until late at night. I farm a piece of land that doesn’t belong to me. We women in rural areas are not recognised by the state or society. Institutions fail to provide us with training and project support.”
Women raise their voices
Structural and cultural obstacles as well as gender-specific violence make it difficult for women to participate in politics. This is why SWISSAID Colombia has launched the “Women, Political Participation and Peace” project. The project focuses primarily on increasing the involvement of women in rural areas in the political, economic and social life of their communities through awareness-raising and training.
Since the project was launched in 2024, more than 11,700 women have been trained in leadership skills. These women now hold important positions in local bodies such as advisory boards and thus help shape local development. Thanks to this training, Ledis Margoth can now address not only the government in video adverts, but also women and men in Colombia’s rural communities. This is the only way to bring about change.
Challenging violence through positive masculinity
To change this situation, the project also actively works to prevent and combat gender-based violence: positive masculinity is encouraged in men.
The women join in networks to deal with gender-based violence. In 2023, 647 women affected by violence were supported. Through these networks, a collective awareness is being raised that reaches thousands of people.
Ingrid Pérez wears the same purple T-shirt as Ledis Margoth. This support has changed her life. “Thanks to this network, we women have been able to break out of this vicious circle of socially dictated norms and the fact that our suffering is concealed. It was only through the training courses that I learnt that I have numerous rights as a woman. I put what I had learnt into practice at home with my husband and began to make my own decisions. My husband didn’t agree at first, but in the end, I was able to convince him – by patiently explaining my point of view to him.”
One of the innovative aspects of the project is that more and more men are involved. They make up 26 per cent of the members of these networks. They take on supportive roles and show a growing awareness of the problem. In doing so, they are becoming role models of positive masculinity who reject traditional norms of dominance. This commitment by men strengthens the effectiveness of the networks and helps to break the cycle of violence. New, more inclusive and respectful models of fatherhood will prevent violent patterns from being perpetuated across generations.
“Thanks to this network, we women have been able to break out of this vicious circle of socially dictated norms and the fact that our suffering is concealed.”
Ingrid Pérez, member of the Red community network in Sucre.
Strengthening the whole community
Improving women’s rights is not limited to improving their individual situation. Investing in the political and social participation of women also strengthens communities – through more efficient local politics and better access to essential resources, especially in rural areas. In addition, promoting a positive image of masculinity helps to reduce violent behaviour and foster a culture of respect and cooperation. “And so,” Auryn concludes, “peace in rural Colombia can finally bear fruit.”
