EDUCATION
Education is a fundamental right. According to the Human Development Report 2016, of the 781 million adults over the age of 15 estimated to be illiterate, nearly 496 million were women.
The Challenge
In Bolivia, the rate of illiteracy of women is 19.35% in relation to the 6.94% in men (15 years and older).
The majority of women in the mining community of Quime in La Paz Bolivia are illiterate.
75% women in this community dropped out from school between 8 to 10 years old.
The Opportunity
U4C worked with local teachers to develop a curriculum based on an instructional model (curriculum and pedagogy) “Hacia mi Porvernir”.
This methodology authored by U4C’s own founders includes pedagogy for teaching adults reading and writing skills, basic knowledge of math, geometry, and history.
The Impact
The number of participants far exceeded the goals for each cohort. As of today, 443 women participated and 78% completed and graduated from the 3-months course. In the last Cohort, there was a 278% average change in reading and writing levels.
Participants developed leadership skills and some are already playing an active role in representing the community.
HEALTHCARE
Women have the right to know and be informed on how to access and utilize healthcare resources. They also have the right to know their legal and environmental rights. The World Health Organization estimates that 830 women die every day from preventable, pregnancy-related causes.
The Challenge
Maternal-Child Health: Too many deliveries do not occur in healthcare facilities and have not benefitted from minimal prenatal or well-baby care.
Domestic Violence: According to the UN Women, it is estimated that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives.
Bolivia has one of the highest rates of violence against women in Latin America. One woman dies every three days because of gender-based violence.
The Opportunity
In order to prevent unnecessary deaths and improve the health and well-being of women and their babies, U4C engages local healthcare professionals in teaching women how to access and utilize essential health care resources. U4C has discovered that healthcare resources may exist but are often unutilized because of limited knowledge.
U4C works with local social workers and lawyers to advise women about existing local, national and international law and basic rights.
The Impact
The number of participants far exceeded the goals since 2012. As of today, 469 women participated in maternal-child healthcare campaigns and domestic violence.
In 2017, local healthcare professionals reported a significant increase in local participation in prenatal care. Furthermore, 25 healthcare professionals were trained in different topics. (Download Evaluation Report 2017)
U4C delivered five preventative violence workshops for women and men on how to deal with abuse/exploitation through mutual understanding and support.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
When women have the chance to learn new skills, they feel more confident and can be able to create businesses, jobs and contribute to an improved, diversified economy.
The Challenge
While female labor force participation is high in Bolivia, women are much more likely than men to work in part-time or vulnerable employment, informality, and low-productivity sectors.
Social norms in sectors like mining, hinder a women’s capacity to take advantage of existing opportunities.
The Opportunity
Since 2012, 100 women were selected to get trained in different skills including the development of reusable bags and alpaca products.
In 2019, more than 400 women participated in the Empowerment Program where they had training opportunities including: Manual weaving with looms; automated weaving with machines; professional sewing; baking & culinary arts; Serigraphy/Silkscreening printing; entrepreneurship & leadership.
The Impact
As a result, 4 micro-enterprises have been creating. The products are sold in local and global markets through our U4C Fair Trade Store.
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