The Ecuadorian Government is failing the girls and women of the Galápagos Islands.
The remote, lush area is best known for its iconic, treasured wildlife. From giant tortoises that live for over 100 years, to iguanas that spend much of their time swimming in the sea, to countless incredible bird species, the natural fauna of these islands are highly protected.
That same level of protection is, sadly, not extended to the female human population of the islands.
There is a sexual violence crisis in the Galápagos, and we must demand it be addressed. Sign the petition to protect the women and girls of the Galápagos!In 2024,
three teenage girls were drugged and raped near a popular tourist viewpoint called El Mango. It wasn't an isolated crime. Activists say this is part of a pattern -- a growing crisis of sexual violence that has left victims terrified and without help.
The victims that reported their 2024 attack were
relentlessly threatened and harassed, and have not yet received legal justice. Their only comfort and protection have come from local and international activist groups, while the government has seemingly completely failed them.
The local activist group, Magma, calculated that
"gender violence accounts for 25% of all reported crimes on the Galápagos, but only 5% of sexual violence cases result in a conviction."The same group begged authorities to do something when a
12-year-old girl gave birth on one of the islands. No report was filed. No action was taken.
This is a horrific, violent systemic failure that must be addressed.Sign the petition and demand that the Ecuadorian immediately address the sexual violence terrorizing the women and girls in the Galápagos. Perpetrators must be brought to justice, and future attacks must be prevented!