Bolivia: When a «No» Really Counts
Daniela is 14 years old when she speaks out for the first time about what was done to her. In Riberalta, Bolivia, there is a high risk that she will be left alone with her suffering—but Daniela finds people who will listen. A gentle process of therapy, protection, and rebuilding trust begins. A story about how prevention and support can change lives.
Daniela is sitting in the counseling room. The shutters are half-closed; outside, the heat of the Amazon lowlands shimmers. Daniela has her hands clasped together. She has been silent for a long time. At age 14, she says out loud for the first time that a close adult had sexually abused her. What begins now is not a straight path, but a sensitively designed process.
In Bolivia, sexual violence against children and adolescents is widespread. In 2025, several thousand cases of sexual violence against minors were reported, the majority of which involved girls. Specialized agencies estimate that the actual number of cases is much higher, as many assaults occur within the family and go unreported. Children with disabilities are particularly at risk, as they often have fewer means of protecting themselves.
This is where the work of the Fundación Machaqa Amawta (FMA)—Mission 21’s long-standing partner organization in La Paz and Riberalta—comes in. Together, the FMA and Mission 21 are building protective structures—in schools, families, and government institutions.
Support That Makes a Difference
Daniela is admitted to the therapeutic program. In regular one-on-one sessions, she works with a psychologist to overcome feelings of guilt, come to terms with her anxiety, and learn to trust again. At the same time, her family is receiving legal counseling. Protective measures are being put in place. Step by step, Daniela is regaining stability. Today, she has strategies that help her set boundaries and seek support.
In addition to Daniela’s case, the FMA began providing support to 145 other victims of violence during the reporting year. 81 children and adolescents successfully completed their therapy and developed concrete strategies for self-protection and resilience. «Together with Machaqa Amawta, it is our mission not to leave protection to chance, but to build it systematically,» says Golda Fuentes, Program Manager for Latin America at Mission 21.
Prevention starts in school
Effective protection starts as early as possible. In 2025, 589 children and adolescents in La Paz and Riberalta participated in inclusive and participatory workshops organized by the FMA on the prevention of sexual and digital violence. Today, they have concrete self-protection skills: they can name the intimate parts of their bodies, recognize risky situations, and set clear boundaries.
There is a particular focus on digital violence. Even in remote areas, smartphones are part of everyday life. Children learn how to protect themselves in the digital world before incidents occur.
The workshops are specifically designed for children with and without disabilities. Sign language, pictograms, and adapted materials ensure equal access. In this way, prevention is conceived and implemented in an inclusive manner.
Sixth- and seventh-grade students in Riberalta are learning, through interactive workshops, how to set their own boundaries, prevent digital violence, and identify trusted adults. They are supported in this effort by the „Lideresas y Líderes“ project group, which conducts educational work to prevent all forms of violence in the communities. Photos: Angela Michel Cabezas
Strengthening Structures – Sharing Responsibility
Sustainable protection can only be achieved if the wider community also takes action. A total of 362 professionals, including police officers, received training in inclusive communication and victim protection. Two school committees for peaceful coexistence were strengthened to identify violence at an early stage and refer cases appropriately. Through awareness campaigns, the FMA also reached more than 900 people.
These figures demonstrate that a chain of protection is in place: individual support, school-based prevention, and institutional accountability complement one another. Mission 21 enables this long-term work through funding, conceptual guidance, and support for quality assurance. In a context where government institutions are often overburdened and international funding is being cut, this continuity is crucial.
Why This Effort Remains Urgent
The work on the ground was extremely challenging. Political tensions, social unrest, and a measles outbreak led to disruptions in school operations. At the same time, violence rates remain high. Prevention requires perseverance. Therapy takes time. Protection requires institutions that take responsibility. Children and young people like Daniela need to know how to protect themselves and that their voices are heard. Change begins where a «no» truly counts.
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