In Paraguay, where nearly 8 out of 10 women have experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lives, young female scientists, athletes, musicians and others are working to fight that fate, joining an anti-violence campaign spearheaded by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. 

The initiative – ¡Quiero vivir así! Sin Violencia – uses social networks, music concerts and community activities like mural painting to raise awareness of the right to live in a world free of violence. It has garnered support from public and private sector partners, civil society organizations and sports institutions, building momentum ever since its launch in 2022.

Here, young women involved with the initiative share their experiences and wisdom on how dreams can be achieved when girls lift each other up – and can live their lives without violence.

Jennifer: Karate champion and teacher

Jennifer, a professional karate athlete on Paraguay’s national team, began her journey to the top of her sport when she was a child, attending lessons alongside her brothers. She believes that ensuring equal opportunities from a young age is key to empowering girls to both protect and provide for themselves.

“I’m very interested in making sure people understand that karate isn’t [only for boys],” Jennifer says. “I recommend that all parents take a look at this discipline because it’s important that their daughters know how to defend themselves.” To that end, she is teaching young athletes and studying for a professional sports management degree, while continuing to compete. Her next goal: to reach the 2027 Pan American Games.

Estefanía: Dancing to the beat of her own drum

Estefanía is part of an all-female Afro-Paraguayan percussionist group that is redefining gender roles in the genre. 

The group, Kuña Afro, launched with a bang – literally – on International Women’s Day in 2018, with the women vigorously pounding the drums. “Until Kuña Afro decided to change things, drumming was the exclusive domain of men,” Estefanía says.

Kuña Afro is more than a band, it’s a network. Afro-Paraguayan women and girls are disproportionately exposed to violence due to the overlapping discrimination of racism and sexism. The group showcases Afro-Paraguayan culture through its performances, and also runs workshops to encourage understanding of the culture, fight against racism and increase awareness of rights.

Rocío: Science and sisterhood

“It is not easy to be a scientist in Paraguay, much less a female scientist, but I urge girls not to give up on their dreams,” says Rocío, who has worked for more than 15 years as an environmental researcher, consultant and educator. “I tell them that it is possible.”

Access to education for girls is key to ending gender-based violence, Rocío says. “I will always champion education and learning for women and the importance of staying informed to know our rights.” She also encourages girls and women to pursue science, paving the way for future leaders in the male-dominated field.

Claudia: Top scorer and role model

Claudia, an athlete on the Paraguayan women’s football team, is recognized globally as “one to watch” due to her goal-scoring prowess. 

Claudia’s mother, a domestic worker, and father, a farmhand, have always supported her passions, despite having limited resources. Claudia encourages everyone, especially children, to pursue their dreams: “Every time they say, 'I want this,’ they should know they can achieve it. Just because they come from a humble family or something like that doesn't mean they won't go far.”  

Dalma: Heritage and healing

Dalma, the lead singer for the group Bohemia Guaraní, is a Guarania musician, a genre of music created in Paraguay. When she first encountered the melodic, rhythmic style of music in school, she says, it was “love at first sight.”

Dalma, who faced bullying in her adolescence, ultimately found inspiration in music. “I felt like I was worth less than others. My self-esteem was severely damaged,” she says. “Guitar lessons became the safe place I was looking for.”

Dalma uses her voice not only to sing, but to support Paraguayan women as part of the anti-violence campaign. “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of empowerment, of strength, of knowing that we need each other," she says.

Fiorella: The power of family and friends 

Fiorella has been representing Paraguay on the national squash team since she was 10 years old. “Women have the same capabilities as men. This should always be encouraged,” she says. "Achieving equality in sport is my mission.” 

Fiorella appreciates the support she has received from her family and friends and notes the power of friendships in helping girls reach their potential: “For me, it's super-important to support each other because that way we never feel alone,” she says. “What really struck me in this sport was realizing that there are so many girls like me who sacrifice hours and hours for what they love; I felt like I wasn't alone, that we all share the same goal and the same passion.” 

Living free from violence helps empower girls to pursue their goals, whatever they may be, she says. “For me, a life without violence means being able to live peacefully and safely.”