Democracy in Bolivia
In Bolivia, women, children and young people lack proper access to education, healthcare and other public services. Solidar Suisse helps them to be better involved in their communities.
Poor access to education
In Bolivia, women, children and young people continue to be severely disadvantaged. They have extremely poor access to education, healthcare and other public services. The mortality rate among girls and women is significantly higher than that for men and the difference in education levels is high. In many cases, issues such as teenage pregnancy or domestic violence remain taboo.
Improve public participation
Solidar Suisse is convinced that practicing living democracy is the best way of improving public participation and public service. We therefore support women and young people who fight for their concerns to be addressed. We promote exchange between communities in order for others to learn from successful projects run in other communities.
Education and information are the basis for self-responsible action. © Vassil Anatasov
Hundreds of thousands benefit
In total, 30 communities took part in the PADEM democracy project. In recent years hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from better schooling, more comprehensive healthcare and from anti-violence measures.
Some communities promoted the use of computers in primary schools or improved cervical cancer screening for women. Others have committed to fighting violence against women or have set up programmes to address the issue of teenage pregnancy. Many communities face particularly significant challenges in times of Covid-19. Solidar Suisse supports them to become better connected with departmental governments and to make more use of e-government tools.
Sensitisation
What can be done about cancer? Young women inform themselves at a stand.