Promoting gender equality in Bolivia

Context

In Bolivia, structural and societal hurdles stand in the way of gender equality and LGBTIQA+ rights (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter*, queer and asexual people). Women earn a third less than their male colleagues. In 2023, 81 women were victims of femicide. Since the law against racism and discrimination was enacted in 2010, only one sentence has been handed down for violating the rights of LGBTIQA+ people. Despite the legislation in force, complaints are not acted upon. LGBTQIA+ individuals face prejudice from law enforcement officers, have limited access to public services and formal employment, and are restricted from participating fully in social life. The media represent women, men and LGBTIQA+ people in stereotypical ways.

Although there are laws against discrimination and for the protection of women and LGBTIQA+ people, better enforcement is needed.

Objective

Leaders in education, business and the media are doing more to promote gender equality and LGBTIQA+ rights.

Approach

The project has three priority areas:

1. It incorporates piloted and validated gender-sensitive educational methods into the curricula used by the education authorities in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.
2. It increases the scope of the quality seal for companies that prevent violence against women, which was developed by the predecessor project, to include additional criteria of gender equality and LGBTIQA+ rights.
3. It works with media professionals to develop and disseminate media and communication products on gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQA+ people.

Last updated: February 2025