María Luz Saldívar is the current head of the Department of Training and Dissemination of Cultural Diversity at the National Secretariat of Culture of Paraguay, and the official representative of the Republic of Paraguay to the Commission of Cultural Diversity of Mercosur. She holds a degree in Philosophy and Literature, is a teacher and an author. Her experience as a policy-maker, artist, author, mother and grandmother, shapes her activism for women and minorities in Paraguay.
POLITICAL VOICES
María Luz Saldívar
Head of the Department of Training and Dissemination of Cultural Diversity at the National Secretariat of Culture, Paraguay
Action
Afro-Paraguayan Bill:
In her capacity as the head of the Department of Training and Dissemination of Cultural Diversity at the National Secretariat of Culture, María Luz Saldívar oversaw and coordinated the drafting of the so-called ‘Afro-Paraguayan Bill’, which recognizes the Afro-descendant population of Paraguay as an ethnic minority, while incorporating the legacy of Afro-descendant communities, their participation and contribution in the foundation of Paraguay into national history, as well as various cultural dimensions (art, philosophy, science, customs, traditions and values).
The multi-partisan bill aims to not only recognize Afro-Paraguayans as an ethnic minority, but implement affirmative action policies across sectors, combat discrimination through sanction measures and promote, protect and empower the Afro-Paraguayan communities. The law seeks to guarantee the minority better access to healthcare, education, housing and favorable working conditions in the country.
Relevant discourse
On the objectives of the Afro-Paraguayan Bill:
“The objectives are to recognize Afro-descendants as an ethnic minority, implement affirmative actions for the sector and sanction acts of racism. The law is expected to foster the promotion, protection, development and empowerment of Afro-Paraguayan communities and Afro-descendant people.”
On the rights-based functions of the Afro-Paraguayan Bill:
“First, to give visibility to a community that was hidden in the history of our country. Second, to develop a National Human Rights Plan for Afro-descendants, articulating actions with all institutions of the Paraguayan State: health, education, access to public service, decent housing, favorable working conditions. And, finally, to sanction acts of discrimination and racism.”
