Gender-based violence continues to be an alarming reality. Globally, nearly 89,000 women and girls were murdered in 2022, the highest annual number in the last two decades. Fifty-five percent of the murders of women were committed by partners or family members, and an average of 133 women or girls were killed daily by someone in their own family (UN Women).
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 2,864 femicides were reported throughout 2023 (MLF), and it is estimated that 736 million women, 1 in 3, have suffered physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives (UN Women).
Bolivia continues to be one of the countries in the region with the highest number of cases. According to data from the country’s public prosecutor’s office, 81 femicides were registered throughout the year 2023, as well as more than 42,000 cases of gender violence, an increase of 369 cases compared to 2022.
At Pro Mujer, we understand that eradicating violence is essential to building a prosperous future for women, their families, and their communities.
With this concern in mind, the organization has added the prevention of gender-based violence as one of its critical lines of action, launching Mujer Segura in Bolivia, a program established in 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an increase in cases. The initiative began with a free and confidential hotline (800102414), designed to provide support, guidance, and advice to women in situations of violence, later incorporating three offices in La Paz, El Alto, and Villa Fátima.
In November, within the framework of the International Day against Gender-Based Violence, we opened two new, in-person service centers in Santa Cruz, reaching a total of five locations.
Since its launch, Mujer Segura has handled more than 12,000 calls and assisted more than 3,000 cases at its on-site offices.
Taking action and increasing investment in prevention is one of the greatest challenges we face as a society. In the near future, we aim to expand the Mujer Segura program to reach more Latin American women in situations of violence.
