The Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) is pleased to announce a new publication: “Building Peace as a Mother – My Story as a Former Combatant” by Angélica Quimbaya.
Angélica grew up in a rural area of Colombia affected by decades of armed conflict. Witnessing poverty, inequality, and the marginalization of rural communities, she came to believe that taking up arms was the only way to create change.
At the age of 13, she joined the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP), where she served as a nurse and supported communications work. Over time, the reality of life marked by loss, injury, and isolation led her to realize that violence only deepened suffering and prolonged the cycle of conflict.
In 2016, following the signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC, Angélica laid down her arms and entered the reintegration process. Despite ongoing insecurity and the risks faced by many former combatants, she chose to move forward and rebuild her life.
Today, Angélica supports former combatants in their reintegration into society and works as a nurse and pharmacy assistant. She is also a mother of two daughters and dedicates her life to preventing the recruitment of young people into armed groups by promoting education, opportunity, and reconciliation
“My past has shaped me, but it does not define me. I now dedicate my life to preventing young people from following the same path I once did. ”
This is an excerpt from “Building Peace as a Mother – My Story as a Former Combatant.” Angélica’s story shows how peace is built through care, responsibility, and the courage to choose a different path.
Read the full article here: https://gt4y.org/publication/building-peace-as-a-mother-my-story-as-a-former-combatant/