Intersecting inequalities: Afro-Bolivian women’s experiences of racism and antiracism in plurinational Bolivia

ABSTRACT This article explores the intersectional experiences of Afro-Bolivian women navigating racism and anti-racism within the context of plurinational Bolivia, which has become internationally known for its decolonizing policy agendas and inclusive politics. Despite advances in constitutional recognition, anti-racism legislation, and political organizing, Afro-Bolivian women continue to face intersecting inequalities shaped by race, gender, and economic status. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals how Afro-Bolivian women perceive recent anti-racist reforms while identifying persistent challenges in a society that often prioritizes Indigenous narratives over Afro-Bolivian experiences. The findings highlight that racism manifests uniquely for Afro-Bolivian women, who encounter discrimination in various sectors of the economy and society, including employment and education, while also facing gendered obstacles within the Afro-Bolivian movement. Consequently, we argue for a nuanced understanding of intersecting inequalities to better address the specific needs of Afro-Bolivian women, emphasizing the importance of integrating their voices into broader anti-racist discourses.