In Colombia, CERF fosters women community leaders

Colombia | CERF | 2024

Colombia, Chocó. The presence of armed groups in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Nariño regions has made life very uncertain and driven many people from their homes. Growing up in Nariño, Heidy saw many people needing support, which made her want to help.

The last ten years has seen a rise in protection risks for people in Nariño, including displacement, confinement, gender-based violence, landmines, and other restrictions on mobility.

As Heidy says, her village faces significant challenges due to its remote location – it’s two hours by boat to the nearest town. And while there’s only electricity for a few hours each night, it hasn’t stopped Heidy from studying political science and pharmacy online.

She is also active in helping others. At only 22 years old, she is part of the Community Union Council Taijeña, in Nariño province. She founded the group of women leaders with her mother, and together they help women in need.

They work with women affected by violence – both in the home and in the broader conflict. They have helped distribute resilience kits with personal hygiene products, warm clothes, and food to help women and children displaced by the conflict.

Heidy has strengthened her leadership skills by joining the 'Together We Save Lives' initiative, led by UN Women and supported by the Central Emergency Response Fund in collaboration with Fundeas, a Colombian organization.

Through the project, Heidy learned strategies to prevent and mitigate gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies. Fundeas worked closely with over 500 women, to train community leaders like Heidy and her mother.

And Heidy has shared what she learned with the women she works with through her own organization.

"This project has given me many tools to become a change agent in my community. The women around me now understand what gender-based violence is, and how we can mitigate and respond to it, saving lives in humanitarian crises,” Heidy emphasizes.

“I believe my story is one of resilience, leadership, and dedication. And I feel that what we set out to do, we can achieve."

Heidy is committed to continuing her humanitarian work alongside her studies. “What we learn, we must share with girls, young people, and the entire community.”

Published November 2024

Based on an original story from UN Women, published in July 2024

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