Qalincha* lives in Bolivia and dreams of everyone having the same opportunities – for healthcare, for rights, for work and for money. She dreams of justice.
She believes Latin American governments are failing women as they endure violence and harsh living conditions. They ask for reproductive healthcare, safety and dignity but no one seems to hear them. There is little public information on reproductive health and it is difficult to access the right information.
Making a change
Yet Qalincha is making a change as part of a network of volunteers – companions – who support women to access abortions. She works within a diverse community, made up of young and old, women who’ve had abortions and who haven’t, lesbian women like her and her partner, trans and gay men, mums – even Qalincha’s own mum.
As a companion she provides accurate information about contraception and abortion care and can signpost women to the people and products they need. Sometimes they are deeply afraid of terrible pain or death, and she can reassure them that an abortion is a simple and safe form of healthcare. Sometimes the cost is so high that everyone in the community comes together to raise money from family, friends, anyone they can.
Making a positive impact
Qalincha doesn’t ask why people choose to end their pregnancy, but many have shared the positive impact she has made on their lives. One teenager told her she was studying for a career and didn’t want to give that up. Another mum of seven came from an area exploited by mining companies where children of 12 or 13 are forced to work in the mines; some of them die. She didn’t want to see another child go through this.
As a donor, you are part of our own wonderful community that supports Qalincha’s work. You help her to provide choice without judgement. You help her, and the women she supports, to continue to dream.
*Name changed for privacy reasons
