The Escuela, Colombia
Project profile
The women behind the Escuela are dedicated, resourceful and fearless. They are determined to make their voices heard in any peace negotiations and promote the inclusion of women’s issues on the agenda.
The Escuela’s story
The Escuela was established by Martha, Julieth and other women from the Colectivo de Mujeres Pazificas, a women’s peace network. They wanted to create an Escuela – a school – that would empower and educate hundreds of women from Cali and the surrounding villages in non-violent resistance. For a small organisation, the Women’s Escuela in Cali has had incredible impact.
The Escuela is changing perceptions, inequalities and lives. Through education, women are supported, encouraged and empowered to believe in, and create, a better future and an alternative to violence and fear.
One of the most violent countries in the world, the 2007 Global Peace Index ranked Colombia 116th out of 121 countries. It has been ravaged by long and violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights. The war on drugs has been largely ineffective.
How the Escuela works
The Women’s Escuela encourages women from all backgrounds and all walks of life to come together to learn, share and spread the message of non-violence throughout their own communities. The school also encourages and empowers women to participate in civil society.
Key achievements
- In May 2007, 36 women, all from very deprived backgrounds, graduated from the Escuela’s outreach programme in the village of Santander. Three women from the course stood for election to local councils, one as Mayor.
- In Buenaventura, a city experiencing fierce conflict between three armed groups, the team provided support to the community after three young women were tortured.
