Reflections from Peru: Girls’ Voices for a Better Future

By Romina, Yanela, and Zharick, from Peru

In Peru, we currently live in a society where women’s votes are not given the attention they deserve. There is not enough visibility or promotion of the importance of women’s participation, which has led many women to undervalue their rights and doubt their ability to achieve positions of power.

Additionally, Peru as a society does not promote adequate sexual education that is accessible to everyone. For example, in the most remote regions of the country, people are unaware of methods for sexual health and care. Local clinics and health centers often do not provide essential hygiene products for women, and when they do, they are not free.

This increases the risks of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Moreover, these centers often lack specialized healthcare professionals such as gynecologists or obstetricians.

For these reasons, we encourage young women to learn about the importance of casting an informed and conscious vote based on issues that matter to them. Women must take action to participate more in civic life, seek quality sexual education, access accurate information, and empower ourselves on our journey to adulthood. With over 13 million female voters in Peru, we have the power to make a difference.

A new generation of Peruvian girls is rising — informed, engaged, and unafraid to advocate for a better future.

Challenges of Being Unaware & Electing Poor Representatives 

• Loss of public trust: Poor governance weakens Peruvians’ confidence in the government, leaving citizens feeling unrepresented by those currently in power.
• Corruption: Corruption hinders women’s empowerment and sexual education. It generates more poverty and keeps girls, adolescents, and women trapped in cycles of ignorance. For example, when public or private funds meant for gender equality or education programs—designed to train women in leadership, rights, and entrepreneurship—are stolen or misused, those programs never happen, limiting opportunities for young women.
• Crime and insecurity: Organized crime affects public safety and our right to walk freely on the streets. Peruvian women (like many across Latin America and the world) are tired of feeling unsafe when walking outside, having their car plates tracked, or seeing constant news of femicides.

Women’s Voices are Key

Learn about your rights and how decisions in your community are made.

• It is important to understand the issues affecting our communities and make decisions based on accurate information, not rumors or pressure.
• Engage in your community thoughtfully and make decisions about participation based on your own understanding and values.

Encourage transparency and accountability.

• Get involved in community meetings and local campaigns that promote positive change where we live.
• Encourage the use of digital platforms that allow citizens to monitor and report irregularities, and promote participation in government programs already in place.

Tradition meets transformation as girls strengthen their voices and claim space in public life.

Reject corruption at all levels.

• Do not normalize corrupt practices (“bribes,” “favors,” or “connections”). These small actions push our society backward.

Support and promote women’s leadership.

• Back women leaders who stand for equality, justice, and education. Avoid envy—share positive feedback and promote their work on social media so that more women are encouraged to lead and take initiative.
• Advocate for women’s participation in public offices, school committees, neighborhood associations, and other spaces of decision-making.

Strengthening Our Voice in the Community

“For a long time, women have been resigned to living under a patriarchal system that discriminates against them, that decides for them—about their health, their education, even their emotions. We are living in a moment of change, the awakening of girls—our girls—who now bravely raise their voices to demand everything they have the right to. We want to walk alongside them and support that change. An informed vote is the right path.”

— Ana López C. (Engineer and Operations Coordinator, GLOW Peru)

We want to emphasize the need for a shift in how society perceives and supports women, highlighting the importance of education, empowerment, and active participation for fairer development. And this change begins in our schools, our homes, and our communities.