Published: February 6, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/…
President Evo Morales, who is the country’s first indigenous leader, has already set a precedent for Bolivia’s indigenous majority. He is now hoping to continue these positive changes by promoting the idea of gender equality within the Bolivian government itself. Although gender parity is no longer a “novelty” in many Latin American countries, Bolivia has yet to experience such an occurrence. The article states that “the gender shift has shocked a country where Indians, and especially indigenous women, have long been treated as second-class citizens.” As a result, this struggle for gender equality is considered by many to be a radical idea. Nonetheless, President Morales has already begun to make changes. Women already hold 28 percent of congressional seats and 47 percent in the senate. However, their strive for equality within the local government continues to be an arduous endeavor.
This article not only speaks of the racial divide, but also of the gender gap which still exists. As evident in the article, President Morales is the first true indigenous leader of Bolivia. Throughout the history of most Latin American countries, indigenous peoples have always been ignored. It was always the white elite who undertook the decision-making of the nation. It is not until recent years that a few indigenous persons have actually risen to positions of power. This also bodes true for women, who have always been the minority in a male-dominated society.
0 Responses to “Bolivia Tackles Gender Equality in Government”