Community Context

Discrimination Against Indigenous Groups

The vast majority of Bolivia's inhabitants are of indigenous Amerindian or mixed descent. Historically, these mainly Quechua or Aymara speaking groups were marginalized and discriminated against by a political and economic elite descended from the Spanish colonizers. The legacy of this racism is widespread poverty among indigenous people in both urban and rural areas, which is compounded by ongoing discrimination in the workplace. Education in Bolivia is primarily conducted in Spanish, discouraging children with indigenous backgrounds within the system; moreover, because of the language discrepancy, many indigenous people in Bolivia are undocumented and are thus excluded from participation in decision-making processes. Artesania Sorata endows indigenous women and their families with the tools to overcome these challenges and attain economic security.

Artisan Voices

Eva Illanes, Soratan craftswoman: "We're like family" Illanes says. Illanes works from home and brings completed products in to the Artesania Sorata workshop. Her husband is a military engineer; she sees him about once a month. He doesn't give her enough money. Working with Artesania Sorata gives her a sense of community as well as additional income, vital in a climate where unemployment is high.

Take Action

Around the world, communities in poverty are facing a food crisis. As prices soar, those who are already marginalized face rising malnutrition, hunger, and starvation and people are rioting out of frustration and desperation. Join the hundreds of thousands who have already signed this petition telling our world leaders that we need to end harmful trade policies, support sustainable agriculture, and mobilize emergency funding to prevent starvation.

Background on Bolivia

Landlocked and isolated by its location in the Andes Mountains, Bolivia has one of the lowest standards of living in South America. It has suffered through over 190 failed governments since its independence from Spain in 1825. Economic inequality has increased racial tensions between those of European descent and the impoverished mestizos and indigenous peoples who make up over 80% of the population.

Timeline of Major Events

Economic Indicators

51.3% of the population lives below the poverty line.

64% of women participate in the labor force.

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in South America. It is the world’s third largest producer of coca, a plant consumed legally in many indigenous ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. However, since coca is used to produce cocaine, Bolivia faces international pressure to destroy its coca farms. Such an action would seriously deplete the livelihoods of many indigenous groups. Finally, lack of foreign investment in the mining industry and high food prices serve as major obstacles to greater economic prosperity.

Vulnerable Populations

Indigenous populations make up the majority of the Bolivian population however they face widespread discrimination. Most of the indigenous population lives in isolated rural areas working low paying jobs such as subsistence farmers, traders, artisans or miners with limited access to basic services such as health care or education. Many speak languages other than Spanish, making it difficult to attend school or obtain higher paying skilled jobs.

Public Health Concerns

It is estimated that 23% of the entire Bolivian population suffers from malnutrition. Proper nourishment is a constant struggle for much of the population. Rural populations lack access to proper sanitation and medical services, making them exceedingly vulnerable to diseases such as malaria.