Strengthening women in Bolivia

Domestic violence against children and women is the order of the day. Bolivia records over a thousand reports of violence against children, young people and women every month. The number of unreported cases is likely to be many times higher. SOS Children's Villages runs a social center in Oruro, where families are supported in conflict resolution and violence prevention programs are carried out. Single mothers in particular are supported and empowered to protect themselves and their children from domestic violence.

Violence against children, young people and women has reached alarming proportions in Bolivia. Between March and May 2020 (during the total lockdown), over 3,100 incidents of violence against children were reported. The government also recorded over 50 killings of women and over 30 killings of children between March and August 2020.

The financial pressure, loss of income and job and cramped living conditions are often triggers for domestic violence. Fathers are often simply desperate and express their feelings through violence. The victims are mainly children and women.

With our women's empowerment program, we create a way out of the situation by strengthening the women, providing psychological support and also showing them opportunities for additional income with the income support program.