New GIGA Focus Latin America | Crisis in the Andes: The Rise (and Fall?) of Two Women Leaders

Johanna Pieper and Daniela Osorio Michel.

Crisis in the Andes: The Rise (and Fall?) of Two Women Leaders

GIGA Focus | Latin America | Number 06 | December 2023 | ISSN 1862-3573.

Viewed as political outsiders, women represent desperately needed political renewal. Amid crises, they face not only opportunities but also added challenges, amplifying existing gendered hurdles in the political sphere. Jeanine Añez’s and Dina Boluarte’s experiences in Bolivia and Peru epitomise this, prompting discussions on potential implications for upcoming women in politics.

After the contentious departures of the presidents of Bolivia and Peru, two women assumed power: Jeanine Añez and Dina Boluarte, respectively. While constitutional successions, their appointments were marked by controversy. On the one hand, members of the opposition to the ousted presidents praised the historical assumptions of the presidency by women. On the other, the former presidents’ supporters questioned the legitimacy of Añez and Boluarte and their ability to govern independently of the opposition’s male politicians.

These women’s mandates have been shaped by public protest and low levels of approval. Online and on the streets, negative stereotypes against women’s leadership and political presence have been echoed.

Añez, who is no longer in power, is currently in jail facing a legal process that has ignited strong concerns from human rights bodies and international organisations such as the UN and the European Parliament. This is not only political retaliation but also shows signs of gendered political violence. Similar legal challenges might follow Boluarte once a new president is elected. Particularly if he or she comes from the lineage of Pedro Castillo.

Policy Implications

Women might face an electoral advantage because, as political outsiders, they are perceived as political renewal. Yet, becoming insiders, particularly in times of crisis, might bring negative consequences in furthering the stereotypes associated with all women in power – particularly as presidents. The biases regarding Añez and Boluarte could negatively affect women in political office overall.

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