Peru is the second-most popular destination for Venezuelan migrants in the world — many of whom escaped poverty, violence, and political instability only to be met with xenophobia in their new home.

14-year-old Valeria arrived in Peru with her family when she was a child, and struggled to adapt. GLOW Club provided her with the mentorship, support, and positive peer network to feel proud of her background and confident in raising her voice for herself and others. 

Valeria (left) with her sister and younger brother.

Read on to learn more about Valeria’s journey to becoming a powerful advocate and bold leader for empathy, understanding, and girls’ rights in Peru. 

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

Struggles of Belonging: Adjusting to Life in Peru

When I got here to Peru, it was difficult to understand some things. Some problems were the same as in my country, and some were very different. Sometimes we had problems with our neighbors. It seemed like they didn’t like us being here. 

Valeria and her sister Luisana emigrated to Peru from Venezuela.

One day, my sister Luisana and I were playing in the park, and a boy said to us, “What are you doing here?” And some other things that were insulting. We didn’t like it very much that he said that. 

There were also other neighbors who didn’t support us and didn’t seem to want us here. It was difficult and confusing. 

Empowerment Through Connection: Embracing Culture in GLOW Club

After that, I joined the GLOW Club, along with my sister. I didn’t know most of the other girls there, but with the support of our mentor, we got to know each other and developed more confidence. 

Having a place where all of us girls can come together has taught me that it doesn’t matter which country or place you are from, or which race you are. The important thing is that you meet new people and learn. 

Valeria helping a friend prepare for a cultural celebration at a GLOW Club event.

I have learned about this thing called culture: that we each represent our culture, and I personally represent Afro-Peruvian culture. These topics that we’ve been talking about have helped me understand how to better express myself and what I want. 

I have become friends with girls who are also from other countries, and they’ve taught me some things about their cultures; for example, their dances and traditions. Now, I enjoy teaching people about my Venezuelan culture. I have even tried teaching my neighbors about our famous Venezuelan arepas. 

Standing Up and Speaking Out: Empowerment and Activism in GLOW Club

In the club, I have also learned how to empower myself as a girl and to stand up for my rights. We have had this problem in our community of stereotypes. We always hear that women should be in the kitchen while the men are at work. That really bothers me. But in club, I have learned that women can overcome, little by little. 

“I can now stand up and say what I think.”

I’ve really changed since joining the club. I’ve learned new ways to express myself. I can now stand up and say what I think. 

For example, last year, me and my clubmates led a march against gender-based violence, and I was one of the leaders. In the beginning, I felt a little nervous, because it was my first time participating in a march.

Valeria leading a march against gender-based violence last year.

And then, I started raising my voice. Because according to me, in a march, if you are going to participate, you have to raise your voice and express what you truly feel.

The point of the march was to raise our voice, express ourselves and to show that as girls, we can do anything. We raised awareness about respecting that women also have rights. We are people: We are not only women. We are people who have feelings. 

“I was able to show that despite being a woman, I can also do things that men can do.”

It was an experience that was very liberating. Many girls raised their voices. There were men who were surprised when they saw us. Men saying, “What are they doing?” and “I don’t understand.” Things like that. 

But when I was there, I felt like I could finally free myself. Like I could express what I truly feel. I was able to show that despite being a woman, I can also do things that men do.

In my future, I would like to support other people who have emigrated to Peru like I did. There are also many other ways I would like to support my community, because we have so many problems, like safety, pollution, and violence. I know that with support, I can achieve my goal. 

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Since inception, our GLOW Clubs have ignited the power of over 91,000 girls to do 3 transformative things: increase their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build their power. 

This transformation story has been made possible through our collaboration with Otra Cosa Network, who coordinate GLOW Clubs for girls like Valeria in Peru. We’d like to extend a special thanks to Valeria for sharing her story. You can support powerful advocates and confident leaders like Valeria at globalgirlsglow.org/donate.