Bolivia currently counts 28,000 Covid-19 infections and more than 800 deaths. However, many of those affected are missing from the statistics because they died at home and no tests were carried out. Cemeteries are overcrowded and hospitals sometimes refuse patients for fear of infection and lack of protective material.
Rising violence against women
The partner organization Machaca Amawta is supported by Mission 21. Among other things, it works locally to empower indigenous women and to combat discrimination and violence. This support is currently even more urgently needed, as the number of cases of domestic violence has risen during the Corona crisis. A study also found that a majority of women are losing their jobs.
Fear and insecurity prevail among the Bolivian population. These feelings are also present in Mercedes Vargas Apaza, intensified by the social restrictions. But the digital possibilities help to counter this feeling of isolation in an encouraging way and to support each other and to give each other courage and hope.
