A safer way forward for women in Colombia 

When Gloria Montañez Rodríguez speaks about protecting women from gender-based violence, she speaks from a lifetime of knowing what happens when it is absent. 

The 62-year-old lives in Caño Claro, an Indigenous community in Colombia near the Venezuelan border – an area shaped by generations of armed conflict. As a child, Gloria’s sister was killed at 15, and her brother-in-law was later kidnapped and killed by armed groups. These were not isolated events, but part of daily life in a place where safety could never be taken for granted. 

Like many conflict-affected communities, the violence did not stop at the edge of armed confrontation. It found its way into homes and relationships, increasing alcohol misuse and placing women and girls at heightened risk of gender-based violence. Cases went unreported, not because harm was rare, but because of cultural norms, fear and limited support. 

That’s why the Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) supported project in the community is so important. It works to prevent gender-based violence and help women and girls in crisis-affected communities access safe spaces, legal assistance, medical care and counselling when they face violence or need protection. This includes establishing Women’s Circles, collaborative spaces where women gather to share their experiences, build trust and create community-led support networks. While CLWR and LWF serves as a facilitator, the women themselves lead and sustain these spaces. 

Through the project, Gloria was identified by her Women’s Circle as a trusted elder and began receiving ongoing training and accompaniment from the LWF team, including training on identifying gender-based violence and helping refer and connect with women with available resources. With this support, she now serves as a gender-based violence focal point in her community. Today, she is often the first-person women turn to in moments of uncertainty. She listens, walks alongside survivors and helps provide support where formal services are limited. 

Thanks to your support, hope is taking root. Alcohol prevention initiatives have reduced consumption, easing household tensions. Conversations about gender roles are reshaping daily life. “Now, the men do most of the cooking,” Gloria says with a smile. 

Your generosity is helping ensure that care, protection and dignity reach women and families where needed most. Thank you. 

Top photo caption: After temporarily fleeing conflict, Gloria Montañez Rodríguez returned to Caño Claro and now serves as the community’s gender-based violence focal point, helping support women and girls in community. (CLWR photo/Shauna Turnley)