ABBA’s song Chiquitita helps girls in Guatemala heal
"Chiquitita", a hymn of hope.
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In the green mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, lives Mercedes, a 13-year-old girl with determined eyes and a heart full of big dreams. Mercedes dreams of becoming a lawyer—not just any lawyer, but one who defends women and girls who have faced injustice. Despite her young age, she is certain of her purpose: to be the voice of those who have been silenced. Her favorite color is purple, which for her represents strength and femininity, a symbol of the resilience she has learned at an early age.
Mercedes’ life changed dramatically after becoming the target of gang-related harassment in her community. What began as persistent street harassment and intimidation gradually disrupted her daily life, making her feel unsafe at school and in public spaces. Eventually, concerns for her safety forced her to stop attending school and remain at home, distancing her from her education and future aspirations.
Mercedes was later identified through one of UNICEF’s violence prevention workshops carried out in vulnerable communities in partnership with ADP (Amigo’s para el Desarrollo y la Paz). These workshops provide safe spaces where children and adolescents learn about their rights, how to recognize violence and harassment, and where to seek help.
After her case was identified, UNICEF Guatemala and its partners activated a comprehensive response, providing psychosocial support for Mercedes and her family.
Through individual and family counseling, Mercedes began processing her trauma, rebuilding her self-esteem, and strengthening her coping mechanisms.
“Psychosocial support not only helps heal emotional wounds but also strengthens resilience and the ability to move forward,” explains Dora Alicia Muñoz, UNICEF Guatemala Child Protection Officer.
In the last two years, UNICEF and partners have reached more than 42,000 children and adolescents in Alta Verapaz with violence prevention messages and services, while providing specialized support to over 400 child survivors of sexual violence.
This work has been made possible thanks to special funding from ABBA through royalties from their iconic song “Chiquitita.” These resources allow UNICEF to expand prevention workshops, identify cases early, and provide holistic support—including counseling, protection, and educational reintegration—to children and families in highly vulnerable communities.
“I want to defend other girls and women like me,” Mercedes says with conviction.
For Mercedes, educational support has been life changing. With UNICEF’s assistance, she was able to safely resume her studies and refocus on her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Today, Mercedes walks with her head held high. Her healing journey continues, but she now looks toward a brighter future filled with hope and possibility.
