What’s in a Name? Changing policies and beliefs in favour of women in Peru

Overview

Millions of people around the world cannot open a bank account, obtain credit, vote, own or inherit property, get a job or a passport, access health care, or sometimes even go to school. The reason? Because they do not have a birth certificate. Until recently, thousands of babies born to single mothers in Peru were denied the right to a name because they were not registered by both their parents. This paper shows how the Alliance for Citizen Rights, a network of non-government organisations, public organisations, women’s groups, childhood organisations, academics, and politicians, worked together to change the law and challenge deeply held prejudices against women.