Bartolina Sisa, a Bolivian heroine

by | Women's issues | 0 comments

September 5th commemorates the International Day of Indigenous Women. The day honors the legacy of Bartolina Sisa, an Aymara leader who was executed in 1782 for organizing a sweeping rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.

Sisa was born in 1750 in Q’ara Qhatu, an indigenous community near Lake Titicaca. Her parents were traders, and she travelled with them throughout the Bolivian altiplano and Yungas forest to sell their products. From an early age, she witnessed discrimination and violence against indigenous peoples under colonial rule. As a young woman in her twenties, she became involved in the fight against colonial oppression, working with her husband, Tupac Katari, and sister-in-law, Gregoria Apaza, to set up military camps throughout the altiplano. In 1781, Sisa and Katari raised an army of 20,000 (which later swelled to 80,000) that lay siege to the city of La Paz for 184 days. During this time, Sisa was proclaimed “Queen of the Inca” and ruled together with her husband.

modern day La Paz, Bolivia

 The siege was eventually broken with the arrival of Spanish reinforcements from Lima and Buenos Aires. Sisa was captured, tortured, and executed by the Spanish. Her death was meant to intimidate and weaken the indigenous movement. Instead, Bartolina Sisa serves as an enduring inspiration for those who continue her fight against discrimination and injustice.

Check out this short video honoringBartolina Sisa’s incredible life.

0 Comments

Celebration of Women in Modern Bolivia

In Bolivia, there are two holidays in each calendar year which recognize and celebrate women. By exploring the roots of these holidays, we open a window into Bolivian culture and history.

COVID-19 Exacerbates Gender Inequalities in Latin America

We are not all in this together. Sure, we are all experiencing the common disruption that is COVID-19. But some are shouldering the burden more heavily than others. One such group is women in Latin America.

Everything worth something, costs something

At the beginning of the semester, I was anxious. Anxious to know what it would be like to study at a higher level and incredibly happy to begin a new stage of my life, but a little scared, afraid of failing and losing out on opportunities (a university scholarship and...

Extractivism in Bolivia

While extractive industries like natural gas can spur investment in infrastructure and create jobs, Bolivia’s history provides a stark warning on the fleeting benefits of economic growth based on export commodities.

Life in the Chaco

The Chaco Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to empower young women in Bolivia by unlocking educational opportunities.

Peanut Soup – A Delicious Microcosm of the Slow Life

From planting, to harvesting, to de-shelling, to cooking, to eating, peanut soup is a delicious microcosm of life at a slower pace.

The Other “Most Important Election in a Generation”

In a few days, voters will go to the polls. They will decide the leadership of their country as they confront grave challenges to its democratic institutions against the backdrop of the ongoing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying economic turmoil.

Welcome to the Chaco Fund!

The Chaco Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to empower young women in Bolivia by unlocking educational opportunities.

Why Educate Women?

The Chaco Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to empower young women in Bolivia by unlocking educational opportunities.

Why the Chaco Fund?

“Why are we doing this?” As members of the Chaco Fund’s Board of Directors rolled down the main highway in the Chaco on one rainy and humid day this past November, this question led to a pause in conversation.

Scholars

High Schools

Universities

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This