International Women’s Day: two teenagers are mayors for a day in Machu Picchu | VIDEO

Fernanda, 16, and Blethia, 12, were appointed mayors for one day as part of the commemoration events for International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every March 8, in the Cusco district of Machupicchu, in the Cuzco region.

In this way, the district municipality gave recognition to the women of its community, the region and the country in an activity that was led by Mayor Darwin Baca León and his councilors, and that had the support of the NGO Plan International and other institutions.

The event was called “Women to Power – Machupicchu 2022”, under the slogan “When women have the same opportunities they can transform their lives and the world”.

From the same archaeological complex, Fernanda and Blethia called for all women in the district and the world to lead, decide and prosper. In this intervention, the mayor of the district ceded his position to them for a day, with which both became mayors of the historic district in a symbolic way.

“Climate change, the pandemic and now the risk of a world war call us to become aware of our role in every place and space we inhabit to achieve a fair, supportive planet without discrimination and that lasts for new generations.Fernanda emphasized.

In turn, Blethia expressed that “without gender equality there will be no sustainable future, if we do not eradicate the discrimination that women experience, another world will not be possible”.

During his speech, the burgomaster also addressed the attendees. “Women of yesterday, today and tomorrow; We admire and recognize the tireless struggles to raise their children, to fight for better living conditions for women and therefore for humanity. Women of Machupicchu their effort is priceless and only with our commitment and support will we make you smile in this fight to build a more just and dignified world”, he expressed.

Subsequently, the attendees concentrated in the Manco Cápac square, where a recognition ceremony was held for all the women attending. A fellowship lunch was also shared and dances and performances by musical groups were appreciated.

The data

The NGO Plan International launched the “Libres de Burdens” campaign, in order to make visible all the disparities that girls and adolescents suffer when they grow up, such as lack of access to education, sexual violence, harassment, economic dependence, at home, among others, that limit their development.

“Free of Charges” seeks to join companies, organizations and the general public that seek to stop violence against women. To learn about the campaign, you can go to https://www.planinternational.org.pe/libresdecargas.

In Machu Picchu, the organization, in coordination with the municipality, carried out two work days with 21 adolescents and 11 authorities, who were trained to strengthen their leadership in favor of children’s rights and equality for girls.

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