Nobel Women's Initiative

Evo Morales opened his second term as President of Bolivia by appointing a cabinet comprised of 10 men and 10 women.

The unprecedented commitment to gender parity was warmly welcomed by women’s groups and activists across the country. Their support played an integral role in the socialist president’s rise to power.

Members of the Bolivian women’s movement were quick to emphasize that the political appointments must be accompanied by efforts to address glaring inequalities in access to education, employment and ownership of land.  This is particularly the case for women from Bolivia’s indigenous communities. 

Earlier in January, Morales also received a pledge of support for his efforts to protect the environment from prominent indigenous and women's rights activist, Rigoberta Menchu Tum. Menchu Tum was in Bolivia attending the Latin American and Caribbean Parliamentarian Women’s Conference.

READ MORE

Learn more about Bolivian women’s fight for inclusion in politics:

Unprecedented Gender Parity in Cabinet, Frank Chavez IPS, January 27, 2010

More Women in Parliament, With Their Own Agenda, Frank Chavez IPS, January 20, 2010

Read about MADRE's campaign to equip women leaders in Bolivia with the skills they need to succeed in politics here.

Learn why Rigoberta Menchu Tum is supporting the Bolivian President:

Rigoberta Menchu backs Bolivia drive for Mother Nature, Inside Costa Rica, January 21 2010