The twelfth edition of Abrelatam/ConDatos was held in La Paz, Bolivia, with the participation of civil society organizations, activists, researchers, journalists, academics, government officials, the private sector, and individuals who believe in the transformative power of data to highlight inequalities, defend civic spaces, and advocate for evidence-based human rights.
By Gabriela Melgar, Regional Communications Officer, Hivos Latin America
This edition featured three days of sessions and workshops focusing on topics such as the digital common good and citizen participation; opportunities and inclusion in the digital age; freedom and rights in digital environments; collective intelligence and data for public decision-making; planetary vitality and sustainability with data; technological autonomy; and digital sovereignty.
“Mapping violence – including how and where it happens – sets a precedent to achieve the necessary changes in legislation and classification of crimes against the LGBTIQ+ population. If it is not written, we do not exist. If there is no data, we do not exist. This is how we demonstrate that violence against us exists and that we experience it.”
Leonardo Ortega from GAX NGO about the important of data
Hivos at Abrelatam/Condatos
Hivos contributed to the event agenda by participating in dialogues on access to public information, inclusion, and LGBTIQ+ data. We shared experiences within the framework of the Arcus Foundation-funded project, “Onward with LGBTIQ+ Rights in Central America.”
One of the big questions that was asked was: How do we hack exclusion? During this panel, which was moderated by Hivos colleague Saira Ortega, participants shared their experiences and lessons learned regarding the use of public information, the gaps that still exist in the registry, and the documentation of violence to demand justice.
The panel “Defending LGBTIQ+ Rights in Reactionary Contexts” demonstrated that collaboration between civil society and public institutions is not only possible but also urgent. Through the triangular project implemented by Hivos, CONAMAJ, and partner organizations in Central America – GAX ONG, AMTA, Crear Escuintla and Trabajando Unidos – we demonstrated that opening data and building bridges between diverse stakeholders can improve justice services, highlight historically overlooked issues, and make institutional spaces more accessible to LGBTIQ+ individuals.
“It was an eye-opening experience. I was able to expand my knowledge about data, the importance of data, and above all, the diversity of applications, uses, and benefits that open data has for the democratization of information. I realized the immense commitment that civil society has to the open government scheme for access to their rights, transparency, accountability, and the transformation of public management in general.”
Aurelia Bolaños, National Commission for the Improvement of Public Administration of Costa Rica
A space to come together
Abrelatam/Condatos is a place where activists, data scientists, civil society members, journalists, government officials, and advocates come together to open data, challenge dominant narratives, and promote collective agendas for transparency, justice, and citizen participation. For many years, this space has fostered alliances, shared strategies, and exchanged tools to ensure that technology, data, and information are not privileges, but common strengths.
“Abrelatam was a space for meeting, voicing opinions, and transforming power. As a community-based NGO, we participated in various spaces, including panels and lightning talks, sharing progress and experiences from Guatemala, from the community, and we always promote work with LGBTIQ+ data. When we are in these international spaces, it allows us to have a regional perspective, focused on human rights and, above all, the inclusion of sexual diversity throughout Latin America.”
Leonardo Ortega, Director, GAX NGO
It is at this crossroads of experiences that a community is built, and networks of knowledge are woven, making it possible to imagine and work towards a more diverse, sustainable, and inclusive region. In times of significant democratic setbacks, spaces like Abrelatam/Condatos are necessary and urgent places to continue questioning, resisting, and creating the change we want to see in Latin America. Together with our partners, we are showing that when civil society comes together and turns information into evidence, new pathways open up to demand justice, expand civic participation, and ensure dignified lives for LGBTIQ+ communities across the region.
