In a historic ruling, the First Civil Court of Bagua, in Amazonas, has determined that the Fabiola Salazar Leguía National Intercultural University (UNIFSLB) must reincorporate two students of Awajún origin, Mirian Kayap Yagkikaty Lisett Tsejem Impiafter having discriminated against them during the admission process.
The decision, which was issued on April 18, resolved in favor of the students additional criteria imposed by the institution for applicants from communities originating from the Peruvian Amazon.
This despite the fact that both passed the admission exam, but were excluded from the process by failing to pass a personal interview and an additional exam on knowledge of their community.
For this reason, the young women—faced with the university’s refusal to enroll them—opted for the legal route in November 2023, culminating in this verdict that marks a precedent in the fight for the educational rights of indigenous communities in Peru.
The case culminates after a claim for protection filed by the young women, who argued that they had been victims of discrimination.
Well, although they passed the admission exam and made the registration payment for the degree in Global Business Administration, were later informed of their non-admission for not having passed the interview in the Awajún language. This requirement, according to the court, fails to comply with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The resolution highlights UNIFSLB’s failure to honor the plaintiffs’ rights to identity and education, accusing the university of failing to adhere to an appropriately intercultural approach in its management.
According to the Legal Defense Institute (IDL), the resolution of First Civil Court of Bagua not only does it imply the immediate reconsideration of the academic situation of Mirian Kayap Yagkikat and Lisett Tsejem Impibut also calls into question the admission policies of the UNIFSLB towards students from native communities.
Likewise, the case highlights the importance of ensuring that university practices and policies are aligned with the principles of equality, non-discrimination and interculturality, essential to guarantee equitable access to higher education for all sectors of Peruvian society.
Meanwhile, in the Ucayali region, the Shinanya Ainbobo Collective Action Platform has emerged, created by a group of women determined to fight against machismo and gender violence that affects girls, adolescents and adults in their community.
This new movement seeks to promote Comprehensive Sexual Education as a preventive means against violence and teenage pregnancy. The announcement occurs in a context where, according to data from the National Aurora Program of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP), more than 142 thousand cases of attacks against women in Peru during the year 2023.
The Shinanya Ainbobo Platform has identified machismo as the main driving force behind womenincluding femicides.
On the other hand, in line with the prevention of teenage pregnancy, the platform advocates the implementation of sexual and reproductive health programs in schools, which include Comprehensive Sexual Education culturally appropriate.
This stands out as crucial, especially considering the alarming number of minors who forcibly become mothers in the country; in 2023, 1,353 girls under 14 years of ageincluding four up to 10 years old, were forced to assume motherhood.
