CELIMA TORRICO, AN INDIGENOUS MINISTER

Last January 25th. all Bolivians voted for a new Constitution. During long years since the foundation of the Bolivian Republic in 1825, indigenous peoples had to wait to be included in the new Constitution. According to this document all the indigenous peoples in Bolivia are officially recognized which is something really important. Reading this document one can find that possibilites are open for equial participation in the political structures.

About two weeks ago, I had the possibility to listen to Justice Minister, Mrs. Celima Torrico, during a seminar at Cultures Ministry in La Paz, Bolivia. Mrs. Torrico is an indigenous quechua leader with a lot of experience as member of one of the biggest indigenous female organizations in Bolivia, Female Confederation Bartolina Sisa. During previous governments it was not possibly to see an indigenous woman in any Ministry. However from now on, we hope than more indigenous women can access to high level responsibilities.