Inter-Cultur / Development Cooperation / Bolivia / Ch'ama warmi, strong woman: reinforcing Aymara-women's political, social and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano - phase II

Bolivia
Ch'ama warmi, strong woman: reinforcing Aymara-women's political, social and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano - phase II

Duration
2021 – 2022

Budget
294 000 €

Beneficiaries
Aymara women

An Aymara-woman from explaining the importance of gender equality during a fair that the women associations organized.
↑ An Aymara-woman from explaining the importance of gender equality during a fair that the women associations organized.
Gender equality (SDG 5)Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)

Strengthening Women's Political Agency and Economic Rights

The phase II of Inter-Cultur's project Ch'ama warmi, strong woman: reinforcing Aymara-women's political, social and economic rights in the Bolivian Altiplano with AYNI focused on an exit strategy after six years of empowerment of women founders of seven women's associations in three neighboring municipalities of the Altiplano of La Paz. 

The project strengthened their associations and facilitated the preparation of a realistic and demanding Strategic Plan for 2021 and 2022. It promoted and accompanied the associations to develop productive microprojects and obtain financing from the municipal government to execute them, with the dual purpose of strengthening entrepreneurship and influence politically in the municipality. The surpluses generated in these family businesses gave the possibility of saving and improving the health culture, for which the project brought the world of private and public health closer to women through workshops. At the same time, the project promoted the creation of a solidarity financial fund in each association to face emergencies. In parallel, the project worked with the families of the women to redistribute some of the domestic labor to the men.

The project was successful in strengthening women's business skills by facilitating the design and implementation of a trademark by each association. With better access to the market, the project increased the monthly income of the women by over 40 %, leading to much improved quality of life. 

This project has been funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Key Achievements and Outcomes:

  • Strengthened the women's association by drafting strategic plans.
  • Obtained public funding from the municipality for six of the women's associations.
  • Signed 23 new private health insurances that guarantee that more people have access to affordable health care.
  • Established a Solidarity Fund run by the women.
  • Supported the women's economic activities, which has increased their monthly income by 43 %.

Project info by AYNI

Photo gallery

The drought in the Altiplano threatens the traditional agriculture of the communities, a problem that the greenhouses built by Inter-Cultur will address.
↑ The drought in the Altiplano threatens the traditional agriculture of the communities, a problem that the greenhouses built by Inter-Cultur will address.
As part of the project, community women organised communication campaigns and workshops against domestic violence.
↑ As part of the project, community women organised communication campaigns and workshops against domestic violence.

Countries

Bolivia

Home to the Andes mountains, Bolivia faces challenges such as poverty and environmental concerns, particularly among its indigenous populations. Our partnership with AYNI focuses on vocational training, literacy, and sustainable agriculture, aiming to empower marginalized communities and women.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, a country known for its rich indigenous heritage, we address the needs of women in disadvantaged situations through Fundación Junkabal. Our initiatives in vocational training and micro-entrepreneurship are designed to uplift women and advocate for human rights.

Kenya

Kenya's diverse landscape is the backdrop for our efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment in the country. Examples of our work include offering vocational education in Nairobi's slums through SET and Eastlands College of Technology, and improving the agricultural activities of rural women in Turkana County, both aiming to improve life quality and employment prospects with an integral formation model.

Lebanon

Lebanon, with its millennia-old heritage, navigates through profound economic crises and a significant refugee presence. In response, our partnership with PRODES and IMS is dedicated to empowering women through vocational training in hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy, equipping young women from rural areas for better prospects.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, faces social unrest and economic difficulties. Our work with ANDECU supports women by investing in vocational training centers and micro-business resources, empowering them to improve their income levels and overcome challenges in their families and communities.

Uganda

Uganda, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, faces socio-economic disparities and gender inequality impacting vocational education access. Partnering with COWA, we provide women and youth with vocational training and technological empowerment to boost employment opportunities and economic independence, promoting gender equality and sustainable development.