In action: Peer-to-Peer CSE as part of Gender-based Violence prevention in Bolivia

What is your name and what do you do? ?

My name is Yayoi Navia Vargas and I’m the Regional Co-ordinator for Tú Decides. This is a youth network, led by six young leaders aged 16-22, which promotes and advocates for sexual and reproductive rights. We actively participate in the National Network of Young Leaders in Bolivia.?

What has led you to become an activist at the intersection between CSE and Gender-based violence??

It grew from personal experience and at some point, the sight and experience of violence led me to say ‘stop - no more’. I felt that I had to make a difference by supporting, advocating and collaborating with existing organizations to provide information to my peers about prevention and raising awareness.??

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How are CSE and gender-based violence related from your perspective???

Comprehensive Sexuality Education and gender-based violence are deeply related, as CSE plays a key role in the prevention and reduction of gender-based violence.?

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Why do you think it is important for young people in Bolivia??

In Bolivia, it’s fundamental to talk about prevention, because the statistics and levels of violence against women in the country are shocking. Bolivia has one of the highest rates of femicide and sexual violence in South America. One in three girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18, and 70% of Bolivian married or cohabiting women report having experienced physical or sexual abuse.??

Much of the population, at a national level, couldn't identify and do not know what can be categorized as GBV, much of it exists in their lives and is ‘normalized’. This is why it is important to talk about CSE, inform and educate.?

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Can you share an example of a community initiative / campaign / activity that has had impact and success??

The biggest initiative and best example I have is the creation of our network of leaders, called ‘Tú Decides’ (You Decide). We promote that all individuals can exercise their full sexual and reproductive rights. The movement is now in its 32nd year, working at a national level and with international participation. We carry out informative activities, fairs, conferences, talks in classrooms, and workshops. ?Amongst these activities, we continue to implement and run comprehensive sexuality education sessions for our peers in the educational curriculum.?

Through our peer-to-peer CSE, we are informing and arming young people with evidence and tools to develop relationships that are healthier, to make healthier choices and to call out gender-based violence.?

What do you hope for 2025???

I hope Bolivia will invest in the prevention of GBV, that’s across human capacity, technical expertise as well as the financial resources needed for the development and implementation of programmes for girls and adolescents.?

There is nothing for us, without us!

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