Where We Work: Latin America
Peace First began funding projects in Latin America in 2019, and since then have grown rapidly in the region as a result of word-of-mouth organizing by tremendous young champions, particularly in Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica. Our programs support young social change leaders across Latin America to take action to solve problems in their communities, and we’ve helped young people create edtech platforms, preserve local culture, and advocate for educational equity and reform.
Project Spotlights
Maria Sofia is a human and children rights activist from Argentina who started Ellas Deciden (They decide), an advocacy project to spread awareness about forced child marriage in the country. She explains that defining the marriage as forced sheds light on the structural gender inequalities that are inherent in the context of forming a union between an adult and a minor. The conditions that determine whether marriage is by choice are essentially informed by the low expectations that are held in respect to the future of girls. Maria explains that a decision to marry before the age of 18 is often informed by the domestic situation in which many of the girls exist. Girls and adolescents may seek marriage as an exit strategy from violent home environments, and families may assume that an early union will protect their daughters from violence, but they often end up facing violence, abuse and control from their partners, who do not allow them to work , study or go out alone. A form of violence that can also be considered socially accepted in many Latin American societies.
Projecto Arbo
Projecto Arbo provides access to free, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to everyone in the community, especially those with limited means.!
Fellow in Residence & Regional Manager, Latin America