As A Little Girl Growing Up In Colombia Exclusive -

Not the abstract violence of the news—the FARC, the paramilitaries, the car bombs in Bogotá that felt like a faraway thunderstorm. No, the violence that arrived was a silence.

However, modern Colombia is dynamic. Today, a girl growing up in Bogotá or Medellín is just as likely to be enrolled in soccer ( fútbol ) as she is in ballet. The rise of Colombian women in politics, science, and the arts has shifted the narrative. Parents increasingly encourage their daughters to be independent, educated, and bold. The traditional protective nature of the Colombian father ("el papá que da la mano") is evolving into one of support for his daughter's ambitions. as a little girl growing up in colombia

December is a marathon of joy. Between El Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), where we line the streets with flickering lights, and the Novenas , where we gather to sing and eat buñuelos and natilla , the atmosphere is electric. Not the abstract violence of the news—the FARC,

As a little girl growing up in Colombia, I was surrounded by vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich history that seemed to seep into every aspect of my life. My childhood was a time of wonder and discovery, filled with experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. Today, a girl growing up in Bogotá or

: A culture of machismo can still be felt, where men are often viewed as the primary breadwinners and disciplinarians. However, this is evolving, and many girls are now taught to be independent, assertive, and capable of standing up for themselves. Education and Modern Opportunities

: A study from the Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community

Leaving childhood behind in Colombia doesn't mean leaving Colombia behind. Whether you stay in your hometown or move across the globe, the lessons of those early years remain.