On November 29, nearly 40 young activists from various collectives, civil organizations and youth groups from La Paz and El Alto participated in the meeting for our Sexual and Reproductive Rights (SRHR) “Acting to Transform,” organized by Ipas Bolivia and the collective Infórmate Imilla, with the support of the Canadian Embassy in Bolivia. The event aimed to strengthen youth leadership and inspire new forms of articulation and participation in the defense of sexual and reproductive rights.
The meeting was a dynamic space for reflection, analysis and collective creation. The youth worked through discussions, experiential activities and collaborative challenges that promoted the construction of strategic messages and the exchange of experiences on the different forms of youth activism around the DSDR.
Among the most outstanding dynamics, the Inspira conversation was held, which was consolidated as a key space for the exchange of experiences and reflections on the challenges faced by activists in the full exercise of the DSDR. During this dialogue, various forms of activism were shared, from social networking and digital advocacy, to community actions and accompaniment, demonstrating the diversity of strategies that promote the defense of these rights. This exchange motivated the participants to recognize the importance of their voice, reaffirm their commitment and continue strengthening the collective struggle for DSDR.
“El project (Digital Leadership in Defense of the DSDR) project opened many doors for me. I never imagined that one day I would work with the UN or Solidar Switzerland, so I am very grateful to Ipas Bolivia, which gave me this opportunity. I am very happy. It’s always nice to meet with Ipas Bolivia because they manage to generate a very youthful environment full of good vibes. I take with me the opportunity to connect with other youth who are also working on these issues; now that I know them, I feel that we can continue articulating and creating together and together.
One of the main achievements of the event was the creation of aVisual Mural on DSDR, created entirely by the participants. The individual graphic pieces were integrated into a large collective mural, which will be disseminated on social networks and projected to future community and educational spaces. In addition, all the pieces were digitized to form a virtual youth gallery under construction.
The event was attended by Laurie Rogers, head of the Canadian Cooperation in Bolivia, and Malena Morales, director of Ipas Bolivia, who highlighted the importance of youth activism as an engine of social transformation from their own voices and territories.
“It was an excellent day and I am very happy to participate in this event dedicated to transform and act in favor of the sexual and reproductive rights of women, youth and adolescents. I found the day extremely interesting; it is always a pleasure to interact with the youth, because they bring a dynamic full of energy and commitment. This was evident in the morning activities, where it was clear that this is a group with a lot of creativity, ideas and motivation. For me, it has been a very valuable experience”.
The meeting also allowed us to weave new networks and alliances with collectives such as Infórmate Imilla, the Active Masculinities Network, community agents, youth communication groups, urban artists and municipal spaces interested in replicating the visual gallery. These articulations strengthen the scope of youth work and project the meeting as a starting point to continue promoting collective actions in defense of the DSDR.
“I think all of us here are part of the change, because we are talking about issues that we would have loved to hear in our childhood and adolescence. To be able to do it now, for the new generations and to build a new present. , not even a future, is fundamental. I hope that more people will join this cause, which really involves all of us. It is beautiful to be part of the change, and I invite you to be part of it too. My sign says: ‘How nice it is to desire without fear; it is priceless. That’s why I fight for my rights “.
