Bolivian Women: Strategies For Overcoming Fights And Mending Relationships

Bolivian women face a range of challenges, from high levels of violence and harassment to gender discrimination and domestic abuse. With the highest number of teenage pregnancies in Latin America, often linked to sexual abuse, and the highest levels of domestic violence in South America, women in Bolivia are fighting back against a culture of machismo and violence. From staging protests to learning self-defence, women are taking a stand against their attackers, most often partners or family members. The Fighting Cholitas, a group of indigenous female wrestlers, has emerged as a powerful symbol of this resistance, challenging gender stereotypes and fighting for equality in a male-dominated field.

Self-defence classes

One of the key benefits of self-defence classes is that they empower women to make their own choices and take control of their safety. They teach women to trust their instincts and give them the tools they need to defend themselves physically, verbally, and emotionally. This can include simple techniques such as setting boundaries, as well as more advanced skills like martial arts or the use of self-defence weapons.

When it comes to the practical side of self-defence, striking is often considered the most important technique for women to learn. This includes using hands, arms, feet, legs, and sometimes elbows and knees to defend against an attacker from a distance. Other important physical self-defence skills include chokeholds, body throws, and arm bars. In addition to physical techniques, self-defence classes can also teach women about the legalities of defending themselves and how to deal with the emotional aftermath of an attack.

Overall, self-defence classes offer women a valuable opportunity to increase their confidence and sense of empowerment. By learning how to defend themselves and make dynamic risk assessments, women can reduce their fears and improve their ability to protect themselves in a variety of situations.

Protesting against harassment

Protesting is a powerful way to raise awareness and advocate for change, and it is a right protected by the First Amendment in the United States. When planning a protest against harassment, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines for women in Bolivia, or anywhere else, to effectively protest against harassment:

Know Your Rights:

• The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views. However, there may be certain narrow restrictions imposed by police or government officials. Educate yourself about your rights before participating in a protest.
• Your rights are strongest in "traditional public forums" like streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also have the right to assemble on other public property as long as you don't obstruct access or interfere with the intended use of the area.
• No permit is required for marching on sidewalks or streets as long as you don't obstruct traffic. Certain events, like large rallies or parades that block traffic, may require permits.
• When lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph and video record, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, follow the rules set by the owner.

Planning Your Protest:

• Choose a public space that is safe and accessible for participants. Consider the impact of your protest on others and follow any necessary permit procedures.
• Clearly define the purpose and goals of your protest. Are you raising awareness, demanding policy changes, or seeking justice for a specific incident? A clear message will help rally supporters and gain media attention.
• Spread the word using social media, posters, and word-of-mouth. Collaborate with other activists, women's groups, or organisations fighting for similar causes.
• Prepare signs, banners, and other visual elements that convey your message effectively. Ensure your protest remains peaceful and does not incite violence or break any laws.

During the Protest:

• Stay calm and respectful towards counterprotesters or bystanders. Remember that your goal is to advocate for change and raise awareness about harassment.
• If interacting with law enforcement, remain calm and follow their instructions. Know your rights, but also understand that police officers have the authority to maintain order and safety during protests.
• Document the protest by taking photographs, videos, or writing down notable events. This can help in reporting any violations of rights or unlawful behaviour.
• If you witness any unlawful behaviour, harassment, or violence, report it to the police or relevant authorities immediately. Provide them with any evidence or documentation you have gathered.

After the Protest:

• Continue to raise awareness and educate others about harassment. Use social media, blogs, or other platforms to share your experiences and keep the conversation going.
• If your protest was in response to a specific incident or issue, consider reaching out to the media to share your story and gain wider attention.
• Stay informed about any developments or responses from authorities or policymakers following your protest. Hold them accountable for addressing the issues you raised.
• Collaborate with other women's groups or activists to strengthen your voice and create a network of support. Together, you can plan further actions or campaigns to tackle harassment.

Remember, protesting is a powerful tool for change, but it is just one part of a broader movement. Combine your protests with other strategies, such as community education, political advocacy, and grassroots organising, to create long-lasting change and address the issue of harassment on multiple fronts.

Challenging stereotypes

In Bolivia, women face high levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination. The country has the highest number of teenage pregnancies in Latin America, often linked to cases of sexual abuse. More than half of the women in Bolivia have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, and seven in ten women report having experienced some form of violence. Indigenous women in Bolivia, known as cholitas, have long faced discrimination and been treated as second-class citizens. They were forced to perform menial tasks for aristocrats, banned from certain public places, and denied opportunities such as the right to vote and own land.

However, cholitas are now challenging stereotypes and fighting for gender equality through activities such as wrestling and self-defence classes. The Flying Cholitas or Fighting Cholitas are a group of female wrestlers in Bolivia who perform in El Alto and have merged modern wrestling with their community's history of activism. They wear their distinctive cholita attire of multilayered skirts, embroidered shawls, and bowler hats while wrestling, challenging gender, race, and class stereotypes. The cholitas were initially incorporated into wrestling shows as a side event but quickly became the main attraction. They train twice a week and watch YouTube videos to improve their techniques. Through their performances, these women are fighting against the stereotypes and discrimination that indigenous women in Bolivia have faced for centuries.

In addition to wrestling, some indigenous Aymara women in Bolivia are taking self-defence classes through the Warmi Power social project. They learn taekwondo to protect themselves against domestic violence attacks, often perpetrated by partners or family members. The self-defence classes aim to empower women and help them recognize toxic relationships and stop violence before it occurs.

By participating in activities such as wrestling and self-defence, Bolivian women are challenging stereotypes, fighting for gender equality, and taking a stand against the culture of violence and harassment they face. They are demanding equal rights and opportunities, and their efforts are helping to elevate the status of women in their country.

Access to justice

In Bolivia, almost 60% of women aged 15 to 49 with intimate partners have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Indigenous women and girls living in rural areas are at an even higher risk due to discrimination and limited access to information and support services. In response, the women's rights organization Centro Yanapasiñani Bolivia para el desarrollo de la Mujer y la familia (CYB) has been working to support Indigenous Aymara women and girl survivors of violence in the Coro Coro municipality. As part of its awareness-raising activities, CYB has been organizing training sessions to provide rural women and girls with knowledge on the different forms of gender-based violence, existing laws, and appeal procedures. They have also been conducting workshops with women leaders from 70 communities to help them identify and address the causes and effects of gender-based violence.

To address the issue of violence against women in Bolivia, the country has made changes to its Constitution and specific laws. These changes include confronting violence against women, racism, discrimination, harassment, and political violence, as well as requiring gender parity and alternating political representation. As a result, women now make up 53.1% of Bolivia's Legislative Assembly and 47.2% of its Senate. However, despite these legislative changes, women's groups say that the laws are not being effectively implemented and that there is a lack of access to justice, protection for complainants, and delays in cases.

To promote gender equality in the administration of justice, the Bolivian judiciary established the Gender Committee within the Judiciary in 2013. The Gender Committee is composed of female magistrates from the highest courts of Bolivia and has become a consultative body for promoting positive actions to safeguard women's rights. One of its main achievements has been the creation of the Institutional Policy on Gender Equality for the Judiciary of Bolivia, which promotes gender equality in the administration of justice. The Gender Committee has also worked to adopt the Protocol for Judging with a Gender Perspective, which has been approved by the highest courts of the Bolivian Judiciary and aims to align the administration of justice with the international legal framework and ensure compliance with the right of equity reflected in the Constitution.

The Gender Committee has also created the Justice and Gender Observatory, a technical body that analyzes gender-related information collected by the Judiciary and the Plurinational Constitutional Court. The Observatory has carried out research, produced reports, and communicated the results to the community through specialized seminars and workshops. It has also organized specialized training for judicial and administrative authorities. The Gender Committee recognizes that effective coordination between all relevant institutions is necessary to achieve judicial integrity and the inclusion of a gender perspective in the administration of justice. To that end, they are working in alliance with various institutions, including the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal, universities, the Ombudsman's Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Ministry of Justice.

Financial independence

For women in Bolivia, financial independence can be a way to empower themselves and improve their lives. While the country has a history of gender inequality and violence against women, there are signs of positive change. For instance, Bolivia's indigenous women wrestlers, known as "cholitas," are challenging stereotypes and fighting for gender equality. They perform in the ring wearing the traditional "cholita" outfit of multilayered skirts, embroidered shawls, and bowler hats. These women are not only breaking free from societal expectations but also using their platform to teach self-defense to local women.

To achieve financial independence, it's important to define your vision and set clear financial goals. This may involve creating a detailed budget, finding ways to maximize your income, and building an emergency fund. It's also crucial to determine your FIRE number, which is the amount you need to have in your investment portfolio to retire early. This number can be calculated by multiplying your desired income during retirement by 25 or dividing it by 0.04.

While pursuing financial independence, it's essential to remember that it's a deeply personal journey. What works for someone else may not work for you. It's important to evaluate your priorities and make sacrifices that align with your values and long-term goals. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance and ensure that your current well-being isn't compromised in the pursuit of early retirement.

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