CONNECTING ROOTS: THE DIGITAL FUTURE IN

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
PATHWAYS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO REINFORCE THE DIGITAL RIGHTS OF
INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN BOLIVIA

UNDER THE GUIDANCE AND REVIEWED BY

Tina Dooley-Jones, Ph.D
CO-AUTHORED BY
Martin Pabon
Keila Suntura

2023
 CONNECTING ROOTS: THE DIGITAL FUTURE IN
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES DIGITAL RIGHTS
Pathways and recommendations to reinforce the digital rights Digital rights refer to the
of Indigenous women in Bolivia ethical and legal principles
that protect individuals'
freedoms and privacy in
the digital realm,
ABSTRACT encompassing issues like
internet access, data
privacy, and freedom of
Bolivia is in the midst of an effort to provide internet access to remote rural areas of the expression online.
country through the use of satellite internet and community networks as an alternative to
reduce the huge connectivity gap between urban and rural areas (Barrantes & Aguero,
2016; Alliance for Affordable Internet, 2019).
This has enabled numerous Bolivian citizens to experience internet access for the first time, DIGITAL REALM
which has allowed them to take advantage of educational resources, establish
communication with family members residing in urban areas of Bolivia and even abroad. The digital realm refers
The impact of this initiative has been particularly notable and transformative in indigenous to the virtual space or
communities (Frąckiewicz Marcin, 2023). domain where data,
information, and
However, this progress also poses a new challenge for Bolivia: the need to address gender communication occur
issues in legislative changes and public policies related to digital rights (Benavente Cristina using electronic devices
& Valdés B. Alejandra, 2014). These changes must cover areas such as online violence, the and digital technologies.
safeguarding of privacy, the protection of personal data and the right to a free existence in
the digital realm (Coronado, C. L., Quiroz, E., & Foronda, 2018).

Two gender-focused innovations in Bolivia can emerge from these challenges. First, there
is the possibility for indigenous women to participate in the formulation of digital policies DIGITAL HARM
specifically directed at their needs (García Zaballos, A., Puig Gabarró, P., & Iglesias
Rodriguez, 2022). This would ensure that policies are designed in an inclusive manner and Is any activity or behavior
consider the unique perspectives and experiences of indigenous women. Second, it that takes place in a digital
highlights the importance of preventing and addressing digital harm in rural areas from the ecosystem and causes
early stages of the problem (García Terán, 2021). This implies implementing preventive pain, trauma, damage,
and educational measures that empower rural communities to recognize and face the risks exploitation or abuse
associated with the use of the Internet and technology (Gomez, R., & Gould, 2010). directly or indirectly in
either the digital or
Both innovations would not only contribute to closing the gender gap in the digital sphere, physical world, whether
but would also allow rural areas to experience the benefits of connectivity safely and financial, physical,
effectively. emotional, psychological
or sexual.
 BOLIVIAN INTERNET ACCESS
TODAY AND TOMORROW BROADBAND

Broadband is a high-speed
Bolivia, being a country without direct access to the sea, faces a series of challenges that internet connection that
require a robust policy response to improve its telecommunications sector. Its allows for faster data
mountainous topography, the absence of a seacoast, its relative economic isolation from transmission, enabling
the rest of the world, and susceptibility to catastrophic weather events that can damage efficient access to online
infrastructure are just some of the characteristics that make it difficult to provide universal content and services.
Internet access (Campero, A., 2017). The presence of numerous impoverished and remote
communities also adds complexity to this challenge. Compared to neighboring coastal
nations, Bolivia faces higher telecommunications infrastructure implementation costs
(Lancaster H. 2023). This is due to higher equipment, transportation, and installation COMMUNITY
expenses, factors that are compounded by the country's average income relative to its
NETWORKS
neighbors. Together these elements explain why Bolivia has made slower progress in
connecting unreached regions than most other Latin American countries. However, with a
Community networks are
strong policy response and innovative approaches, it is possible to overcome these
locally managed and
obstacles and move towards greater digital inclusion throughout the country (Inter-
collectively owned
American Development Bank (IDB), 2020).
networks, often at the
municipal level, designed
In addition to what has been mentioned, it is important to highlight that in rural areas of
to provide internet access
Bolivia, the access to fixed broadband is practically non-existent, since most of the
and digital content to
Population accesses the Internet through mobile broadband (El País, 2020).
remote areas, primarily
owned and operated by
In response to this situation, Bolivia has adopted an alternative solution to provide
the communities they
connectivity and access to digital content in remote areas: the implementation of
serve.
community networks. These community networks are managed and owned collectively by
the communities themselves (Levy, G., 2023). Its main function is to create a municipal
level intranet that provides the ability to browse the web, upload and download freely
accessible content such as music, videos and information. This content may come from
various sources, including the municipality or entity autonomous indigenous people, the INTRANET
national government (as contained in the Ministry of Education) and also from the local
population in the form of blogs and wikis (Jordan W, 2021). The key advantage is that An intranet is a private
these resources are available to the community as a whole, which encourages network within an
participation, information sharing and access to valuable resources in areas that previously organization or
were digitally disconnected. This strategy demonstrates an approach that will allow community that uses
addressing connectivity challenges in rural regions and is a significant step towards bridging internet technologies to
the digital divide in Bolivia (DPL News, 2023). share information,
resources, and
On July 5, 2023, The Telecommunications and Transportation Regulation and Oversight
communication tools
Authority (ATT) of Bolivia approved and announced the start of a call for the allocation of
among its members.
Radio frequencies for fixed internet with the purpose of benefiting the rural localities of the
country.
The Telecommunications and Transportation Regulation and Oversight Authority (ATT)
reported that the coverage of fixed internet has reached 55% of households in the national
territory. However, with the aim of guaranteeing that all rural communities in the country
have access to internet services and expand coverage, a call has been launched intended
for operators to provide said service in rural areas. This radio frequency assignment will be
RADIO FREQUENCIES
made free of charge. The frequencies granted will allow the selected operator to offer the FOR FIXED INTERNET
service using a base station antenna and local equipment to supply the entire community.
In addition, they will be able to provide the service to homes near the community through Radio frequencies for
a router, which is a device for interconnecting networks. In total, the ATT aims to reach 104 fixed internet are the
rural towns in Bolivia with this initiative (Telecommunications and Transportation specific airwaves that are
Regulation and Oversight Authority (ATT) of Bolivia, 2023). used to provide stable
internet connections,
Through this effort, Bolivia seeks to reduce the digital divide and facilitate community especially in rural areas.
entrepreneurship in rural areas. With this, it is expected to increase internet access in these These frequencies are
regions, where currently less than 10% of the rural population has fixed internet access divided into smaller
(Ibáñez, M. A., 2022). sections and are given to
companies or
organizations to offer
internet services to
DIGITAL RIGHTS LANDSCAPE OF people living in different
rural communities.
RURAL INDIGENOUS WOMEN

Indigenous Bolivian women are facing marginalization and exclusion from their digital THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
rights due to disparities in opportunities, capabilities, and resources compared to other
social groups when it comes to accessing, using, and benefiting from information and The digital divide is the
communication technologies “ICTs” (Grown, C., & Lundwall, 2016). Several factors gap between those with
contribute to this situation. One of them is the absence of strategic digital policies to access to digital
safeguard native languages and cultures, which means that indigenous women cannot technologies and the
internet and those
communicate, express themselves, access information in their own languages, or preserve
without, leading to
and transmit their ancestral knowledge and worldviews through ICTs. Furthermore, their
disparities in information,
right to cultural identity and linguistic diversity is violated, both of which are fundamental
education, and economic
elements for their human and social development (León, N., 2022). opportunities, limiting the
Another factor is the lack of available data to advance the understanding of the unique prospects of marginalized
digital needs of indigenous women. This scarcity of information prevents the design and communities. Efforts to
bridge this divide include
implementation of policies, programs, and projects that address their specific realities,
initiatives for equitable
interests, and demands. It also hinders the monitoring and evaluation of progress and
internet access and digital
challenges in terms of digital rights for this demographic (Hurtado Moncada, M. J., 2020). literacy promotion to
Additionally, it obscures the situation and contributions of indigenous women to the digital foster a more inclusive
development of Bolivia. society.
A third factor is the persistence of unequal gender norms, especially in rural communities,
which implies that indigenous women face economic, geographic, cultural, and
generational barriers to Information and communication technologies (ICT) access. They INFORMATION AND
also experience digital violence, such as harassment, defamation, manipulation, and the
COMMUNICATION
unauthorized exposure of personal data. Furthermore, their participation and influence in
TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)
the digital sphere are limited, as their access to education, employment, political and social
participation, and decision-making regarding ICTs is restricted (FILAC, 2023).
"Information and
A fourth factor is the lack of support for initiatives that promote online security and digital Communication
literacy. This means that indigenous women lack the necessary skills and abilities to Technologies," or ICT,
navigate, create, and harness the potential of ICTs (Hurtado Moncada, M. J., 2020). They refers to the tools and
systems that facilitate the
are also unaware of their digital rights and how to exercise them, as well as the risks and
collection, processing, and
opportunities presented by the digital realm. Moreover, their initiatives and networks
transmission of
aimed at creating content, amplifying their voices and demands, influencing public information, as well as
agendas, and defending their human rights in the digital space are underutilized. communication through
These factors create a situation of digital exclusion that negatively impacts indigenous electronic devices and
Bolivian women, especially those residing in rural or peri-urban areas. Therefore, it is digital technologies.
essential to recognize, value, and promote the digital rights of indigenous women as an
integral part of their human rights (Grown, C., & Lundwall, J., 2018).
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
The belief that digital technology promotes equitable development in communities may
actually perpetuate existing gender inequalities. Contrary to this notion, technology can Digital ecosystem refers
favor certain segments of the population while accentuating pre-existing inequalities, to a network of
particularly those that affect women, who have been historically marginalized (Bahous, S., interconnected digital
2021). services, platforms, and
technologies that
It is essential to understand that the current digital transformation that is impacting rural collaborate and interact
Bolivia does not provide a level playing field for all genders. As the digital ecosystem to support various
expands and internet access expands in these areas, there is a risk that these inequalities functions and experiences
will further intensify (Rotondi, V., 2020). Specifically, Bolivian indigenous communities within the digital realm.
could be affected, maintaining and even reinforcing entrenched patriarchal perspectives
(García Terán, M., 2021).
DIGITAL LITERACY
Therefore, it is imperative to take a conscious and proactive approach to address these
issues of gender and inequality as technology becomes more integrated into these Digital literacy refers to
communities. This means not only expanding access to technology, but also ensuring that the ability to use digital
women have an active role in technology decision-making, that cultural and social barriers technologies and navigate
that may limit their participation are addressed, and that inclusive digital education is the digital world
encouraged (UN Women, 2023). Only through these actions will it be possible to move effectively, including skills
towards digital development that is truly equitable and empowering for all members of the in using computers, the
community, regardless of their gender. internet, and software to
access, evaluate, and
To achieve true equality in the digital space, it is essential to ensure that all people can communicate
exercise their rights with autonomy and tranquility. information.
However, gender inequalities persist in this area, especially for women. In the case of indigenous women, these
inequalities are compounded by challenges such as discrimination, economic dependency, systemic violence and social
conflicts (Hurtado Moncada, M. J., 2020). In the rural areas of Bolivia, access to digital technologies is limited and does
not contribute to the empowerment of indigenous women and girls. Furthermore, this access is unsafe for them. Gender
violence, rooted in the patriarchal system Bolivian, acts as a barrier that prevents indigenous women and girls from being
able to take full advantage of technologies (UN Women & FILAC, 2021).
In the process of expanding connectivity, indigenous women in rural areas have not experienced the same benefits as
the population in the cities (García Zaballos, A., Puig Gabarró, P., & Iglesias Rodriguez, 2022). This is because they face
different challenges depending on their age, ethnic group, level of economic dependence and environmental conditions.
It is crucial that the Bolivian government address these complex issues through systemic solutions. This implies
developing strategies co-created with women indigenous peoples to guarantee their inclusion in the rural digital
transformation (Muywaso, 2022). It is also necessary to address gender issues in legislative and policy changes related to
digital rights. In this way, it is possible to promote equitable access to technology and empower indigenous women to
fully participate in the digital world on equal terms (FILAC, 2023).

To ensure the success of this process, it is essential to implement a series of strategic approaches and actions:

COMMUNITY LISTENING AND RECOGNITION OF ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE: Integrate community listening to

1 women throughout the design and implementation process. Valuing and respecting ancestral knowledge and
the voices of indigenous women is crucial to ensure real inclusion and the effectiveness of the proposed
solutions (United Nations, 2019).

DATA COLLECTION AND DISAGGREGATED DATA: The Bolivian government should collect specific data on the

2 internet access of rural women with ethnic origin. The lack of disaggregated data makes it difficult to
understand and address the specific inequalities that these women face (Agenda Pais, 2020).

EMPOWERMENT AND DIGITAL SKILLS: Design programs that empower girls in the use of digital skills,

3 especially in contexts where cultural norms limit their access to technology. These programs can challenge
gender perceptions and help transform girls' participation in areas traditionally occupied by men (Bogdan-
Martin, D., 2023) & ([Link]., 2023).

4
CHANGES IN SOCIAL NORMS: Design technological solutions that empower women in roles traditionally
assigned to men, such as agriculture, climate information management and obtaining credit. These solutions
can contribute to changing the status of women within the family and community (UN Women., 2023).
 SECURITY AND PROTECTION: Implement strategies to ensure security both offline and online. Avoid the

5 sharing of equipment and provide training to indigenous women on online safety and digital violence.
Identifying times and places of risk and offering online protection training is essential (UN Women, 2022).

DIGITAL LITERACY AND CONTENT CREATION: Facilitate basic digital literacy and digital skills development to

6 train indigenous women as creators of digital content. Encouraging the production of local content of interest
to local women can change their role from passive consumers to active participants in the digital space (Us,
H., 2022).

CULTURALLY RELEVANT AND NATIVE LANGUAGE: It is vitally important to identify alternatives that allow
indigenous women to develop their digital skills in a way that is compatible with their worldview and their
native language. The most complex challenge for indigenous peoples in terms of digital transformation is
bridging digital divides in a culturally relevant way. Even if electricity coverage is improved, access to internet

7 services is increased and the provision of devices, if the development of digital skills is not encouraged and if
digital content continues to be in the dominant languages, the risk of cultural assimilation would be
accentuated, this time through digital technology. In Bolivia, the predominant language on the Internet is
Spanish, and content in indigenous languages is scarce (Internet Bolivia Foundation + Aguayo Association.,
2020-2021).

This culturally relevant approach not only recognizes and values the linguistic and cultural diversity of indigenous
communities, but also ensures that the adoption of digital technology does not compromise their identity and cultural
heritage.
Taken together, these strategies and recommendations address multidimensional challenges, from the inclusion and
empowerment of indigenous women to transforming social norms and creating a safe and accessible online environment.
Only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach can true equality be achieved in the digital space and
overcome inequalities rooted in Bolivia's rural communities.
 CONCLUSION

This article analyzes the state of the digital landscape in Bolivia, shedding light on the pressing challenges faced by
indigenous communities, with a distinct focus on women, emphasizing the digital rights of indigenous women. It also
evaluates the current status of connectivity and internet accessibility in rural regions of Bolivia and presents seven
strategies and recommendations aimed at addressing a fresh challenge that Bolivia is confronting: the need to integrate
gender perspectives into legislative reforms and public policies concerning digital rights, all while preserving the cultural
languages and traditions of indigenous communities.

Firstly, although digital technology access is on the rise, it does not inherently guarantee gender equality. This article
underscores the central argument by acknowledging the reality that while increased digital access is a significant step in
the right direction, it does not automatically translate into proportional digital rights or digital literacy. In fact, an increase
in technology adoption without concurrent consideration of existing disparities could exacerbate inequalities rather than
alleviate them. Therefore, careful facilitation is required to ensure that indigenous women are not mere passive recipients
of technology but active participants in the digital discourse, with the ability to influence decisions that directly and
structurally affect them.

Secondly, embedded within this complex issue is the role of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. With fewer than 10% of
rural households having access to quality internet, the government's role becomes critical in bridging the rural-urban
digital divide. Alongside this issue of the digital divide is the matter of online security, a highly relevant concern.
Indigenous women, due to a range of complex social factors, often find themselves at the receiving end of online threats.
Therefore, it is our responsibility not only to acknowledge this situation but also to devise strategies that promote a digital
security environment. An important aspect of our recommendations involves increasing digital literacy rates in this
vulnerable group and enhancing their ability to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. Furthermore, the
amplification of culturally contextualized digital content in indigenous languages is a necessity, one that strengthens the
bonds between these communities and the digital spaces they inhabit and enriches their online experiences.

For future work, it is essential that the Plurinational State of Bolivia recognizes and fulfills its obligation to ensure the full
exercise of digital rights for indigenous women. This involves the implementation of policies and measures that promote
digital inclusion and combat online violence, safeguarding privacy and effectively protecting personal data. For these
efforts to be successful, the active participation of indigenous women in the formulation of specific digital policies
addressing their needs and realities is important. This entails recognizing their expertise and unique knowledge,
promoting the inclusion of their voices in decision-making related to digital rights. Governmental efforts must address
gender-specific concerns in the digital world, particularly those that impact Bolivia's indigenous women.

Despite the progress observed in digital inclusion initiatives, it is crucial to note that technology is not a miraculous
solution for addressing deep-rooted social disparities. Technology, being a product of society, can reflect and perpetuate
preexisting biases and stereotypes. However, it can also become a tool for change if shaped wisely. Therefore, at the
heart of ongoing digital development, it is crucial to consider the unique cultural nuances and social realities of indigenous
communities, with a special emphasis on women, to ensure that technological advancement and digital inclusion
consciously embody their perspectives and worldviews. With sustained efforts, ongoing research, and innovative digital
strategies rooted in sociocultural realities, the full potential of inclusive digital access can become an attainable reality.
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