Mothers in Bolivia strengthen their voices and self-confidence
In Cochabamba, SOS Children’s Villages Bolivia and Casa Mujer Madre supported a project that created a space for mothers to reflect on their experiences, share their perspectives, and strengthen their self-confidence. It aimed to address patterns in which women feel unable to speak openly and to support them in recognizing their value and being heard within their families and communities.
Through a series of workshops and group discussions, women explored their identities, emotions, and personal experiences. These activities encouraged reflection on motherhood, gender roles, and the everyday realities women face, helping participants reconnect with their sense of self while providing a safe space for self-expression.
In The Spaces We Occupy workshop, women deepened their understanding of the transition into motherhood and how it shapes different areas of their lives. It offered participants an opportunity to better understand their experiences and share them with others.
The discussion Reuniting With Myself: This Is Who I Am brought mothers together to exchange perspectives and reflect collectively through dialogue and creative activities. Unlike the workshop’s more structured approach, these conversations were shaped by the participants, fostering connection and mutual support.
Photography also played an important role in the project. During individual portrait sessions led by photographer Massiel Cardozo, many mothers, some for the first time, had the opportunity to see themselves as individuals beyond their daily responsibilities.
As highlighted in SOS Children’s Villages’ Global Report on Children’s Care and Protection, parents’ wellbeing and family relationships are closely linked to children’s wellbeing, underscoring the importance of supporting mothers and caregivers.
When mothers feel seen, heard, and supported, their children feel it too − more likely to grow with confidence, knowing they belong and are not alone.
Photo gallery
The experience concluded with a public photo exhibition, in which women’s portraits were displayed as reflections of their journeys and how they see themselves.
Nancy Vargas
“I wanted to look happy in this photo so that my children would see me happy, being happy despite everything.”
Pastoria Coria
“I wanted to have a photo with my welding mask so that my sons could see it at home and feel proud of me. Welding is my passion. In every spark, the strength and beauty of what we create is forged. I am a mother of fire.”
Simona Mamani
“On the day of the photo, I felt very happy. A year ago, my daughter died, but I have been a grandmother and a mother to my grandchildren since they were very young. I only ask for the strength to support them until they grow up.”