In Bolivia, seven in ten women experience violence at least once in their lives – most frequently at the hands of their own partner. Solidar Suisse fights for the right of women to live without being subjected to violence.
Violence and the murder of women
Machismo is widespread in Bolivia, and with it, the attitude that men have the right to control women – including through violence.
The murder rate of women is very high: over a hundred women are murdered every year. In 2013, the drastically high rate of violence led to the introduction of a law aimed at guaranteeing women a life free from violence. The improved legal situation has led more women to report incidents, but a life free from violence is still far from reality for many women.
More than
100
women are murdered every year in Bolivia.
Young woman in Bolivia - committed to combating violence against women.
Legal advice and prevention
In the fight against violence against women, Solidar Suisse counts on creative prevention campaigns, for example a symbolic vaccination against violence, workshops for men in which the predominant image of masculinity is challenged, or free legal advice for victims (provided by SLIM). SLIM supports women in defending themselves against violence and works together with authorities, schools, healthcare centres and grassroots organisations. This multipronged strategy has laid the foundations for social change – away from a culture of machismo towards prevention of violence, emancipation and criminal prosecution.
Support during lockdown
During the Covid-19 lockdown, women were subjected to more violence, yet fewer dared to report incidents. Solidar Suisse launched a free hotline together with police forces specially trained on domestic violence. It enables women in emergency situations to call for help in spite of curfews. Over three million people were reached via social media, the radio, posters and apps – including small villages that were hard to reach during periods of quarantine.
«Seeing as the women live under the same roof as the perpetrator, they are under his control all the time. If they file reports, they face an even higher risk of being subjected to violence or even being killed.»
Durable structures against violence
Solidar Suisse’s work has yielded some results. In 80 Bolivian communities throughout the country there are now networks that provide affected women with advice, protection and compensation – through staff such as lawyers, psychologists and social workers. In addition, in Bolivia Solidar Suisse cooperates with specially trained police units.
Donation for women's rights
With your donation you are supporting the fight of Bolivian women for a life free from violence.
