In the bustling city of El Alto in Bolivia, where Aymara and Quechua cultures meet, live two remarkable women, Roxana Quispe And Emma Pomeroyhave dedicated their lives to fighting poverty and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples. Their journey from poverty to self-determination is a testament to resilience, community and the power of inclusive development.

In Aymara, an indigenous Andean language, “Amuyu” conveys the idea of ​​ideas that resemble dreams – ambitions that are pursued. For Roxana and Emma, ​​their Amuyu has taken them from the highlands of Bolivia to the corridors of the World Bank in Washington, DC, transforming not only their lives but the future of their communities. This journey, which began in local workshops, culminated in the World Bank’s event “Addressing the Hidden Dimensions of Poverty in Knowledge and Policy,” where they brought the voices of their communities to the global stage and embodied the power of grassroots activism.

Roxana and Emma’s paths crossed through All Together in Dignity-Fourth World, an international movement dedicated to eradicating poverty around the world. Born in the indigenous Aymara community of Causaya in the department of La Paz, Roxana was introduced to ATD-Fourth World by a friend in 2011, where she discovered a community focused on reflective learning and community engagement.

Born to Aymara parents who migrated from a rural area to the suburban zone of Niño Kollo in the department of La Paz and currently living in the city of El Alto, Emma joined ATD-Fourth World 18 years ago, where she found a community that allowed her to discover her talents, strengthen her knowledge and make her voice heard.

Over the years, Roxana and Emma have become vocal advocates for the rights of the poor, bringing their stories to the public and demanding change. Their stories reflect a broader story of indigenous empowerment in Bolivia. With approximately 40% of the population identifying as indigenous, Bolivia has one of the highest proportions of indigenous people in Latin America. Yet this group has historically faced significant barriers to education, employment and political participation.