In a political context marked by intimidation and violence, women in Bolivia are facing significant challenges to their full participation in the country’s political life.
With a total of 109 resignations in the last five years due to violence, pressure and harassment of women in elected office, the urgency of addressing this problem in a comprehensive and systematic manner is evident.
During 2023, the Observatory of Democratic Parity of the Bolivian Electoral Body recorded 50 reported cases of political violence against women in the country, underscoring the persistent problem they face in the political arena and the urgent need to address it decisively.
These worrying figures have prompted the approval of the “Manifesto of Women of Bolivia”, where concrete changes and greater protection for women in all political spheres are demanded. However, the current situation in 2024 remains alarming, with a total of 18 resignations and 19 complaints to the electoral body.
Councilwomen like Marina Vallejos, from the municipality of Mizque in Cochabamba, have witnessed firsthand persistent discrimination and violence. Vallejos laments that political decisions are monopolized by men, perpetuating a system that limits women’s participation and leadership.
The Trinidad Action and Reaction Movement, led by Eva Oporto, has highlighted that political violence not only affects women in the public sphere, but also extends to the domestic sphere, creating a hostile and dangerous environment.
Recently, women councilors, activists and civil society organizations from different parts of the country have united in a call for equality and justice. Through the “Manifiesto de Mujeres de Bolivia”, these leaders have raised their voices against gender and political violence, highlighting the additional risks faced by indigenous, Afro-descendant, disabled and LGBTQI+ women.
“These numbers underscore the need for concrete and coordinated actions to put an end to political violence against women in Bolivia,” said Ana Gomez of the Organization Women for Gender Equity and Autonomy (MEGA).
In a country where women’s political participation is essential for a truly inclusive democracy, “this call to action represents an important step towards building a more just and equitable future for all,” said Virginia Quispe of the women’s organization Sinch’i Warmis.