This is guest blog from Camilo Isaza Herrera, I’m Here Program Coordinator for Tiempo de Juego. The Women’s Refugee Commission is partnering with Tiempo de Juego in a project to improve the lives of adolescent girls in Colombia.
In collaboration with the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), Tiempo de Juego (TdJ) took a powerful stand during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, inspiring communities to envision a world where women and girls live free of violence. Guided by the principles of play, creativity, and empowerment, we mobilized communities in Santa Marta and Ciénaga, Colombia, to spark conversations and build solutions. Here’s how we turned ideas into action.
The Violencemeter: Checking the Impact of Gender-Based Violence
We implemented the Violencemeter, an innovative tool designed to evaluate and discuss the different forms and severity of gender-based violence (GBV). Like a thermometer for violence, this activity created a safe space where community members could reflect, share experiences, and build awareness. These conversations weren’t just educational—they became catalysts for collective action and healing.
Empowering Women Economically through Creativity
Economic independence is a critical step toward breaking the cycle of violence. Our sublimation workshops equipped women with skills to create and print designs on t-shirts and other fabrics. Beyond learning a trade, participants gained a tool to generate income and reduce their vulnerability to economic violence. It was a testament to how creativity can drive empowerment.
Ecofest: Community Transformation through Awareness
With the support of PEPSICO, we hosted the Ecofest in Santa Marta, gathering over 216 attendees from La Lucha and El Pando neighborhoods. This vibrant event was a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and awareness of gender-based violence.
Key highlights included:
- Educational Stations: Covering waste separation, natural resources, and Stop de Margarita.
- November 25 Awareness: Engaging conversations on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
- Artistic Activities: Face painting, tree planting under “Sembremos con amor,” and the “Mangle Mi Huella Verde” initiative.
Cultural expressions enriched the event:
- Performances: A lively Batucada, Unión Magdalena fan section, and Afro Company presentations.
- Youth Talent: Dance performances by Tiempo de Juego girls.
- Community Spirit: The day ended with awards, refreshments, and souvenirs, leaving a lasting impression of unity.
Mini-Festival in Ciénaga: Local Action, Big Impact
In Ciénaga, we brought the same energy to a Mini-Festival for Peace and Non-Violence towards Women. While smaller in scale, the activities were just as impactful, reaching a community eager to take part in meaningful change.
A Shared Commitment
The efforts of Tiempo de Juego and WRC go far beyond these 16 Days. Together, we are building sustainable solutions to GBV by fostering safe spaces, empowering women economically, and driving critical conversations in the community. The Purple Marathon, our flagship initiative, exemplifies our mission: mobilizing territories through play, art, and sports to inspire and protect.
Be Part of the Change
As we continue this journey, we invite organizations, NGOs, and individuals who share our vision to collaborate with us. With the support of allies like Tiempo de Juego, WRC, and other partners, we can expand our impact, create more safe spaces, and uplift the voices of women and girls everywhere.
Let’s build a future together where dignity, safety, and opportunity are accessible to all.
Reach out to Tiempo de Juego and WRC to learn more about how you can support these efforts. Together, we can make a difference.
For more on our project with Tiempo de Juego in Colombia, read “Moving Beyond a One-Size-Fits-All Plan for Working with Adolescent Girls Affected by Conflict or Crisis” and “Empowering Adolescents Through Play: A Collaboration with Tiempo de Juego.”