Martina, the former leader of the National Federation of Domestic Workers, FENATRAHOB

Martina, a domestic worker since the age of 13, has dedicated her life to transforming the reality of thousands of women who, like her, have historically been invisible domestic workers.

"I have been in the leadership business since I was 19 years old," says Martina. After decades of working in vulnerable conditions, she decided to take on the challenge of organising her colleagues to demand that domestic work be recognised as a paid job, not just work paid with food and shelter. After years of campaigning, protests and determination, on April 9, 2003, Martina and thousands of domestic workers celebrated the passing of Law 2450 which establishes a legal framework that guarantees social security and recognises domestic work as real work, not a favour.

Now, led by the local organisation Centro Juana Azurduy and ActionAid Bolivia, Martina is part of a group of women human rights defenders the Jaya Warmis (spicy women). This group of women researchers, artists, and leaders work together for change in communities. Martina contributed to the participatory research and action process, sharing her experience about the barriers to women in decision-making positions and how political violence is their main obstacle to full participation.