From 20 to 22 October, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and La Coordinadora de la Mujer – Bolivia’s leading feminist civil society network – organised the National Workshop on Political and Institutional Strengthening of the Women’s Coordinator. The event focused on building strategies and fostering consensus in conservative, polarised, and misinformation-driven contexts.
The workshop brought together representatives from all 20 member organisations of La Coordinadora de la Mujer, spanning eight departments across Bolivia. Designed and facilitated by ECES experts Katia Uriona and Carolina Floru, in close collaboration with La Coordinadora, the event took place within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between ECES Founder and Executive Director Fabio Bargiacchi and La Coordinadora Director, Tania Sanchez.
ECES President Monica Frassoni participated in the workshop as part of her mission accompanying the European Union funded PRO-Elección Bolivia team during election week, as well as during two gender-focused seminars organised in Cochabamba.
Day 1 – Conflict Management & Political Analysis
The first day focused on conflict management and political analysis, with sessions on electoral cycles, conflict prevention, and risks affecting women. ECES Project Coordinator Luis Castellar and national expert Rafael Loayza shared key insights into navigating complex political environments.
Day 2 – Tackling Misinformation & Promoting Equality
The second day addressed misinformation, digital violence, and equality narratives. Sessions explored ways to counter anti-equality discourse, featured a messaging lab, and developed strategies to support women candidates. These discussions were led by ECES President Monica Frassoni together with Bolivian experts Veronica Rocha and Enid López.
The workshop’s central goal was to ensure that women’s voices are present and influential in political and cultural spaces, expressed through empathetic, creative, and feminist perspectives. In a context where legislative and social setbacks remain a risk, the message was clear: equality is not the end of the struggle — it is the beginning of a more democratic and just society.
The event concluded with collective commitments and follow-up mechanisms, marking an important step in strengthening women’s leadership and political influence across Bolivia.
22 October 2025
