The project seeks to establish and strengthen a national network in Peru consisting of women's centers from all regions and major cities in the country.
In Peru, sexual violence and harassment are considered symbols of patriarchal values and the cause of discrimination against women. Such denigrating actions range from ‘complements’ with sexual overtones, to gender-based violence which constitutes "femicide". One hundred seventy-six people are exposed to sexual violence on a daily basis. According to the National Program against Family and Sexual Violence under the Ministry for Women and Development (MIMD), 28,671 cases were recorded at 42 women's shelters (CEM) between January and September in 2006. Most cases were from the cities of Lima, Huánuco, Piura and Cusco. Only 30 percent of these cases have been taken up in the courts.
The project WARMI aims to create awareness and mobilization to thwart violence against women through communication to women, but also to children and adolescents. The objective is that through communication and training, changes in attitude among the population will occur, which in turn can affect local authorities to act politically. The target groups include local women's movements, other organizations, central and local governments and individual women of Peru.
The activities are concentrated mostly in the central cities of Peru, to build upon necessary knowledge and experiences to create a national network. The project's five main offices collect information on sexual violence, trafficking in women and sexual and economic exploitation of children and adolescents. The project implemented 18 informational campaigns and 40 radio programs called "Dirty Water, Clear Voices, Fighting sexual violence in Peru."
The project is supported by FOKUS with funding from the telethon ”Dream Catcher”.