Depatriarchalisation and Bolivian women leadership: transforming politics across international, local, and everyday

Overview

This article explores the significant role of Bolivian women’s social movements in shaping political alternatives to foreign policy and domestic governance through the lens of depatriarchalisation. The early 21st century has seen women’s movements as pivotal actors in a critical transformation in Bolivia’s political landscape, challenging entrenched patriarchal norms and advocating for gender justice within the plurinational state. By employing a qualitative methodology grounded in political sociology, this research analyses key policy documents – such as National Decree No. 4650, and speeches by President Luis Arce at the United Nations and María Nela Prada at the Organisation of American States – as well as interviews with two activists. The findings reveal a complex interplay between women’s movements and state mechanisms, characterised by both collaboration and contention. The research indicates that depatriarchalisation efforts enhanced by Bolivian women extend beyond traditional political engagement, influencing both domestic and international policy frameworks, such as everyday life. Despite notable advancements in women’s representation, where Bolivia ranks among the highest globally for women’s participation in national legislatures, significant barriers remain, particularly for marginalised groups. Therefore, this paper also highlights the challenges and contradictions faced by women in navigating these landscapes as they weave political alternatives. Drawing attention to the transformative practices of women leaders that extend beyond traditional political engagement, this study underscores the broader implications of Bolivian women’s movements in advancing gender equality and transformative change on multiple scales, from local communities to international platforms.