In the small village of Mampuján, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, close to 500 women walked together in a symbolic act of remembrance and healing. The gathering, described as a “return,” was organized to honor women who survived the brutality of the country’s decades-long armed conflict, many of whom were forced to flee their homes amid massacres and threats from armed groups.
Mampuján became internationally known after a 2000 paramilitary attack that displaced its entire population, an event later immortalized by local women through hand-stitched tapestries depicting their trauma and resilience. Those textiles have since become a powerful symbol of memory and reconciliation in Colombia, drawing visitors and researchers interested in the country’s post-conflict recovery.
This latest event brought together survivors, community leaders, and supporters in a collective walk meant to reclaim public space and honor the strength of women who rebuilt their lives after violence and displacement. Such gatherings are part of a broader effort across Colombia to recognize victims, especially women, who bore a disproportionate share of the conflict’s harm while also leading efforts toward peace and community restoration.
For more details on the event and the stories of the women involved, read the full report at eltiempo.com.
Source: En VIVO: Mampuján honra a las mujeres víctimas del conflicto armado (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: rubel roy's photography.