Quote:In recent weeks, the Awajún and Wampís Women’s Council made a shocking public denunciation of 524 cases of rape and abuse of children who attended public schools since 2010.

Peruvian government authorities responded with indifference, as they typically do when presented with evidence of abuse of Indigenous people. A prevailing attitude of impunity is also deeply ingrained in these institutions, and they are resistant to any calls for change or challenges to their authority.

Despite these difficulties, courageous Indigenous women have been stepping forward to denounce sexual and gender-based violence in their communities, and they are refusing to accept indifference or inaction. In an echo of the #MeToo movement, their protests have provoked a wave of indignation throughout Peru.