Actúa: Bolivian youth leading the charge to end gender-based violence

In Bolivia, a powerful movement is taking shape—one led not by politicians or institutions, but by young people determined to rewrite the story of gender-based violence (GBV) in their communities.

At the heart of this movement is Actúa – Detén la violencia (Act – Stop violence), a youth-led campaign that challenges harmful social norms and promotes relationships rooted in equality, empathy and respect. Born from the Women of Bolivia: Your Rights, Your Budget project implemented by Oxfam-Québec with support from Global Affairs Canada, Actúa was created by youth, for youth, with a bold mission: to break the silence and indifference that allow GBV to persist in everyday life.

The urgency of this mission was undeniable during the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns confined people to their homes, a youth-led study entitled Stay at Home revealed a chilling truth: violence was not only widespread, it was also intimate. “We realized that violence was crossing all boundaries,” said a young man from Actúa Santa Cruz. “The aggressor could be right beside you: your father, your brother, someone in your own family.”

What began as a campaign has since grown into a national movement active across the country. Now known as Articulación Actúa (Acting together), the initiative has become a vibrant network of youth leaders who are transforming their schools, communities and digital spaces. Armed with creativity and conviction, they use theatre, visual art, social media and public events to spark conversations and shift mindsets. Their messages of dignity, equality and non-violence resonate deeply with their peers, precisely because they come from lived experience.

Actúa also nurtures “new masculinities,” encouraging boys and young men to reject violence and redefine strength as compassion, courage and respect. It’s a powerful counter-narrative to the toxic norms that often shape male identity—and it’s gaining ground.

The numbers tell a story of impact: over 3,500 youth leaders were trained and 59 micro-initiatives were launched across Bolivia, from workshops and information fairs to artistic performances, marches and audiovisual productions, and more than 180,000 people were reached through in-person and digital actions. Today, 124 Bolivian youth organizations have joined the movement, with 87% of participants saying they feel empowered to take action against violence in their communities.

This is more than a campaign, it’s a generational shift. And Canada is proud to stand alongside these young change-makers. By supporting Actúa, we’re investing in a future where Bolivian youth lead with empathy, speak out against injustice and build a society where everyone can live free from violence.

Young Actúa leaders who took part in the Actúa national meeting held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in March 2025.

Group photo of the 44 Actúa youth leaders from seven municipalities who participated in the Actúa national meeting held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in March 2023. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on Actúa’s identity and plan actions, interventions and messages for online and offline campaigns.

Samuel Vela, Actúa leader from the municipality of Viacha, facilitating a plenary session during the Actúa youth leaders’ pre-national meeting held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 2023. This preparatory meeting focused on strengthening analytical skills and electing representatives for the national meeting. Topics included leadership, teamwork, communication tools for mobilization and debate skills