Bolivia
About Bolivia
Situated in central South America, Bolivia is a landlocked country known for its diverse geography, spanning from the Andes mountains to the Amazon Basin. It is home to some of the highest altitudes in the world, including the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on earth. The nation faces several challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and environmental concerns such as deforestation and water scarcity. Poverty remains widespread, especially among its indigenous populations, which make up a significant portion of the society. In recent years, Bolivia has been in the news for political upheaval, including the resignation of President Evo Morales in 2019 following contested elections, leading to a period of political instability.
Our focus in Bolivia
In Bolivia, we collaborate closely with AYNI, our local implementing partner, to serve primarily the indigenous population in marginalized communities. Our efforts are concentrated on vocational training, literacy programs, health services, water infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and empowering women. A significant portion of our projects (90%) benefits women, focusing on enhancing their skills and improving their living conditions through education and access to essential resources.
Our projects in Bolivia
Suitaña suma achui: Harvest of Hope for Improving Quality of Life to Underprivileged Indigenous Communities in Bolivia
490 000€
Indigenous population
2025 – 2028
Widespread discrimination, environmental degradation, and economic disparities are challenges faced by the Aymara communities in the highlands of Bolivia because of historical marginalization and poor development policy implementation. This results in persistent poverty, loss of cultural identity, and limited political and economic autonomy. This project aims to enhance sustainable economic development, agricultural resilience, and quality of life through sustainable agricultural practices, business management training, and empowerment of indigenous women.
Jakhusiña! Empowering and Strengthening Aymara women to enter traditionally male-dominated decision-making circuits
480 500€
Aymara women
2023 – 2025
Inter-Cultur's fifth project in Bolivia focuses on advancing the social status and agency of the Aymara women in the Subcentral Ajoya in the municipality of Calamarca. This is achieved by supporting the women's organization called Bartolina Sisa and implementing different activities related to access to water and education, better health and the promotion of human rights. Over the duration of three years, the project will support almost 200 women and their families.
Ch'ama warmi, strong woman: reinforcing Aymara-women's political, social and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano - phase II
294 000€
Aymara women
2021 – 2022
The second phase of Inter-Cultur's project "Ch'ama warmi, strong woman" focused on reinforcing Aymara women's political, social, and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano, emphasizing an exit strategy after six years of empowerment. The project strengthened women's associations, facilitated strategic planning, developed microprojects with municipal financing, and promoted improved health and financial practices, resulting in a 40% increase in monthly income and a better quality of life for the women involved.
Ch'ama warmi, strong woman: reinforcing Aymara-women's political, social and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano
128 000€
Aymara women
2019 – 2020
Inter-Cultur, in collaboration with AYNI, supported the economic activities and political agency of Indigenous Aymara women in six Bolivian rural communities, establishing six women's associations over two years. The project enabled women to secure municipal financing, transition from selling raw materials to processed products, and gain a better understanding of market dynamics. Their increased prestige led to reduced violence towards women, demonstrating the broader community impact of women's empowerment.
Empowerment of Aymara-women in the Bolivian Altiplano - phase II
88 500€
Aymara women
2017 – 2018
In the Bolivian Altiplano, Inter-Cultur and the local NGO AYNI expanded their previous efforts to empower Aymara women by creating Women's Associations, which streamlined agricultural production and distribution while promoting women's rights and access to public funding. This project ensured the sustainability of earlier initiatives by establishing legal structures for continued professional development and funding opportunities. Additionally, it provided training on sustainable agricultural practices to enhance economic activities.
Empowerment of Aymara-women in the Bolivian Altiplano
94 000€
Aymara women
2014 – 2015
Inter-Cultur's first project in Bolivia empowered Indigenous Aymara women to take on larger decision-making roles, balance the gender burden, and gain recognition for their abilities. The project enhanced community knowledge of rights and gender equality, provided technical training in vegetable processing, and increased women's recognition and influence as farmers. This was achieved through comprehensive training workshops that supported both the group and individual producers.