On Friday, September 25 , the project “University Students in Action: Networks for the Prevention and Care of Vulnerable Populations Free from Violence” concluded in the auditorium of the Social Work Department at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) . The initiative, launched by Ipas Bolivia in March 2026, established four university networks dedicated to preventing gender-based violence and defending sexual and reproductive rights (SRR).
The program sought to equip future professionals in social work, psychology, and law with theoretical, practical, and ethical tools, and to promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral intervention in response to the high rates of violence—particularly sexual violence—affecting girls, women, and adolescents in Bolivia. Students from six universities participated: UMSA, the Bolivian Catholic University (UCB), San Francisco de Asís Private University (USFA), the Bolivian Technological University (UTB), Aquino University of Bolivia (UDABOL), and the Bolivian Private University (UPB).
“This has been an excellent example of comprehensive, cross-sectoral collaboration with Ipas Bolivia. I am proud to see the in-person and virtual reach we have achieved, which demonstrates the students’ commitment. These networks must remain active and continue their efforts. I deeply value these opportunities for interdisciplinary training and the sustained support of Ipas Bolivia, which brings together public and private universities to raise awareness among future professionals about the social reality of the country.”
During the implementation, 82 students from various fields and institutions of higher education formed four thematic networks:“Free from Sexual Violence,” “El Buzón de las Imillas,” “Radar,”and“Building Safe Environments Through Consent.” Through these brigades, 14 community initiatives and microprojects were carried out to raise awareness about violence and promote the DSDR.
The territorial and digital outreach reached more than 21,000 people through September 2026. In the virtual realm, informational campaigns on social media reached 13,242 users, while podcasts and audiovisual content connected with another 7,193 people; in-person, fieldwork included educational fairs and workshops that directly reached 850 college students, high school students, and the general public.
“It has been an extremely enriching experience. From the very first workshops with the facilitators, I learned a great deal, and I was particularly interested in the approach to Forced and Early Child Marriage and Unions (MUIFT). It was very valuable to share ideas and collaborate with peers from different majors and universities. I hope this initiative continues and expands in partnership with Ipas Bolivia, because the educational impact is truly rewarding.”
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and awards to the network members. During the official closing ceremony, Dr. Malena Morales, Director of Ipas Bolivia, and Adela Yapu, Program Manager, urged the students to maintain an active and ethical commitment to preventing gender-based violence and ensuring the rights and duties of women and girls in their future professional careers.
“I am very pleased with everything we were able to achieve through the efforts of these networks. This process demonstrates that when academia and organizations join forces, they transform environments and open up real pathways to the full exercise of rights.”
