Communication Rights Index:
A tool for measuring human rights and entitlements

A WACC-CIDA project in Bolivia

WACC is an international non-governmental organization which promotes communication rights for social change and as a basic human right, giving preference to the needs of the poor, marginalized and vulnerable.

Despite the advances which Bolivian society has witnessed in the last five years, inequality and marginalization have not been totally overcome. So, it is important to ensure that knowledge and information about rights and entitlements are widespread among the most disadvantaged groups in the country. This is essential to achieving equality, in particular for indigenous and disabled women and men. Bolivian women with disabilities face even greater challenges than usual since their disabilities add another layer of marginalization.

In a highly patriarchal society, Bolivian women suffer the highest maternal mortality rate in Latin America. For example, 70% of women in Bolivia who died as a result of pregnancy had six years of schooling or les and women in rural areas have four times higher probability of dying from a pregnancy. To make matters worse, Bolivia’s Health Service has not yet responded adequately to the issue of inequalities among its rural poor – 7.5% of children born into this group died before reaching the age of five years, mainly due to preventable infectious diseases. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that 26.5% of those who do survive, suffer chronic malnutrition.

WACC recognizes and understands the issues and with support from CIDA is working with two project partners in Bolivia towards measuring and monitoring the implementation of rights and entitlements. WACC is ready to make a difference in Bolivia.

Establishing and focusing on knowledge sharing, information, education and promoting human rights through extensive communication initiatives will directly benefit not only the disabled people of Bolivia but also marginalized indigenous women and children.

Our mission is ambitious, and we need your help. Your donation today will bring life-altering benefits to so many people tomorrow! Please donate generously and help us meet the challenges in Bolivia!