Study of the Socioeconomic Baseline of Women in Bolivian Mining

A common feature of these women's groups is their poor public visibility and little recognition of their economic, social, and family contribution. Women miners are discriminated against in various fields, including labor, and are also victims of different forms of violence. At the same time, they have insufficient information about their rights and obligations in the mining field, labor, and women's rights.

55%

Cooperative partners have a monthly income lower than the minimum wage (USD 304).

48%

Women miners in Bolivia do not have health insurance.

55%

Cooperative partners have a monthly income lower than the minimum wage (USD 304).

48%

Women miners in Bolivia do not have health insurance.

25%

Are illiterate. The average rate across the nation is 7%, according to UNESCO.

72%

Do not have access to sewage systems, increasing their risk of catching infectious diseases.

56%

Have not even attended elementary school.
The primary diseases afflicting women miners are respiratory (31%) and stomach (28%) infections. → nature of the work.

Source: ``Study of the Socioeconomic Baseline of Women in Bolivian Mining`` / Solidaridad and Cumbre del Sajama.

Lourdes Forra, a barranquillera of the Asociación de Mujeres Multiactiva 27 de Mayo de Chima, in Tipuani

``As barranquilleras, the main disease we suffer from is cervical cancer because we work in mercury-contaminated waters.``