In Northern Colombia, Women and Girls Endure Astonishing Violence and Need Immediate Protection and Cash Assistance

In ReliefWeb, Cassondra Puls, research advisor for the Women’s Refugee Commission, and Catalina Vargas of CARE Colombia wrote about the risks women and girls face every day at the Colombia-Venezuela border.

At Colombia’s border with Venezuela, women and girls face daily risks to their health and lives to survive and provide for themselves and their families. In September 2021, CARE Colombia field staff spoke to more than 80 women in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, Colombia, about their lives and exposure to violence. Women described deprivations and violations, including high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), with few services or aid to turn to.

Learn more about WRC’s work on cash and livelihoods.