Bolivia
Bolivia is a large and sparsely populated country in South America. Bolivia has a young population, with one-third of the population under 15. RFSU supports several organisations to increase access to abortion, LGBT rights and sex education.
In recent decades, Bolivia's economy has grown significantly, making it a low middle-income country. Although the gap between rich and poor has narrowed, many people, especially in rural areas, still live in poverty. About half of Bolivia's population is indigenous — the highest proportion in South America. Issues related to discrimination, exclusion and gender inequalities are still significant challenges.
While the Bolivian Constitution recognises sexual and reproductive health rights, access to these rights is limited. Abortion is legal in certain cases, but stigma, cultural shame, and poor healthcare often block access. The Constitution defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman but also prohibits discrimination against LGBTI people. Despite these protections, discrimination is still common, and comprehensive sex education is limited.
RFSU is working with the following organisations:
CDD - Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir
CDD works to improve access to safe and legal abortion in Bolivia by advocating for enhanced implementation of the existing legislation and decriminalization of abortions. With its strong commitment to safe and legal abortions, strategic access to decision-makers as well as grass-roots organisations and strong advocacy skills, CDD is a leading advocate for the right to safe and legal abortion in Bolivia.
CDC - Capacitación y Derechos Ciudadanos
CDC has a long-standing commitment to human rights. Today, it is one of the leading institutions of LGBTQI rights in Bolivia. CDC has extensive experience and knowledge of legal rights for LGBTQ persons at both national and international levels.
CDH - Comunidad de Derechos Humanos
CDH works to follow up global and regional human rights mechanisms within SRHR, for example The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. CDH also carry out advocacy work with authorities to make recommendations from such mechanisms a reality. CDH's work will also focus on the training of public servants who are responsible for the application of existing laws regarding SRHR.
IpDH - The Institute for Human Development Bolivia
IpDH is a civil society organisation based in Cochabamba. Since 1996, it has promoted education, health, and human rights, focusing on vulnerable populations. Through an agreement with the Bolivian Department of Education, IpDH supports the implementation of educational policies. With the support of RFSU, IpDH provides training on sexual and reproductive rights and gender-based violence, including the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy, to school directors, teachers, young leaders, students, youth, and the general population.
