Laura Chinchilla. Credit: US Embassy, Costa Rica

By Danilo Valladares

GUATEMALA CITY, Mar 5, 2010 (IPS) – The victory of Laura Chinchilla in Costa Rica’s presidential elections, and the growing participation of women in Central American parliaments, point to their progress in the region’s spheres of political power. But they still have a long way to go, experts say. Continue Reading

Dr. Walter Soria examines a 10-month-old baby girl. Credit:Franz Chávez/IPS

Franz Chávez – IPS/TerraViva

LA PAZ, Mar 2 (IPS) – A social programme in Bolivia that prevents the deaths of two mothers a day from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth is making headway despite administrative difficulties, and has the potential to cut the alarmingly high maternal mortality rate in this country by up to 80 percent in just five years. Continue Reading