Gender Equality Bolivia Project #63523

Women Connected in Safe Communities in La Paz

by Asociacion Taller de Proyectos e Investigaciones de Habitat Urbano Rural Red Habitat

Project Report | Apr 3, 2025
Boosting Women's Digital Skills in High-Risk Areas

By Red Habitat | Project Leader

Julian Apaza urbanization

Red Hábitat is committed to developing initiatives that promote the digital inclusion of women in vulnerable situations, our first experience was the creation of the "Mujeres Constructoras" Android app, a digital platform that facilitates job opportunities for women in the construction industry. Based on this experience, the need to train women in the use of digital tools was identified and the initiative was extended to women from vulnerable neighborhoods in the cities of El Alto and La Paz.

The first implementation of this type of training was carried out in the Julián Apaza urbanization, a neighborhood located in the 7th district of the city of El Alto. In this neighborhood, 25 women received training in digital technologies, developing skills in the use of social networks. They also learned the basic use of mobile tools to create content, digital cameras and other applications that facilitate the spread of information. Red Habitat adopted a personalized approach to hands-on training, guiding each participant individually. This is because each person has a different level of familiarity with their device and applications, and some participants faced difficulties with reading and writing, which posed an additional challenge to the practical training.

This initiative not only provided participants with essential technology skills but also opened new opportunities for them to improve communication and strengthen community organization. By empowering this group of women, a significant first step was taken towards bridging the digital gap, allowing them to access previously inaccessible resources and knowledge. Digital literacy, in this sense, goes beyond the acquisition of technical skills, it promotes greater autonomy, expression and citizen participation, crucial aspects to move towards a more informed and organized society in risk prevention.

Participants of the workshop.

Women and children learning together.

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Nov 19, 2024
Women Builders: Advancing with Technology Tools

By Anelise Melendez | Project Leader

Female builder interviewed by a television channel

A total of 138 women from the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz have been trained and certified in digital technologies, social media, and the effective use of the “Mujeres Constructoras” (Women Builders) app. As part of this initiative, printed and digital manuals on these topics have been developed and distributed to new participants seeking further training. Additionally, we have launched an improved, more intuitive version of our app, designed to streamline connections between the demand and supply of female labor in the construction sector.

Thanks to the app's promotional efforts, we have reached a broader audience of individuals and companies interested in hiring women construction workers. At the same time, we have implemented a communication and spokesperson training program, preparing women to serve as primary representatives of the app in media outlets and construction materials stores. With increased visibility, more women construction workers can register, make connections, and offer their services through the platform, generating income to support their families.

One of our primary goals is to reduce the digital division and close the labor participation gap for women in the construction sector, which, according to the ILO, stands at just 4.5%. We are committed to creating opportunities for women in socioeconomically vulnerable situations, helping them transition from low-income activities to better-paying jobs that foster economic autonomy.

For example, Nilda Colque from Santa Cruz completed four painting projects, Carla Oblitas from La Paz conducted four electrical jobs, and Carla Montoya from Cochabamba worked as a heavy labor assistant on six projects between August and September. These women are paving the way for others in the construction industry. Like them, many other women are excelling in roles such as fine work assistants, painters, electricians, plumbers, and cleaners, among others, showcasing their talent and determination to transform both the construction sector and their own lives.

RH staff promoting the app in hardware stores

Female builder using our application

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Jul 23, 2024
Tech Training for Women Construction Workers

By Anelise Melendez | Project Leader

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