Peruvian authorities initially tried to minimize revelations of violence and sexual abuse at Indigenous public schools, but activists and civil society are not letting them cover it up
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 authorities responded with indifference, as they typically do when presented with evidence of abuse of Indigenous people.
Despite this, courageous Indigenous women have been stepping forward to denounce sexual and gender-based violence in schools and 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.
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