Women make up half of Bolivian cabinet

The Bolivian President Evo Morales has commenced his second term in office with half of his government portfolios going to women.

During the inauguration ceremony of the ministers on Saturday, Morales characterized the event as historic saying it was the first time that the Andean nation saw women forming half of the cabinet members to fulfill gender equality.

“My great dream has been fulfilled, half of my cabinet are women, the other half men,” said Morales, speaking at a ceremony at the Quemado presidential palace, according to AFP.

Female members of his cabinet include Labor Minister Carmen Trujillo, Justice Minister Nilda Copa, Transparency and Anti-Corruption Minister Nardy Suxo, and Culture Minister Zulma Yugar — who is a folk singer and activist.

Morales, an outspoken critic of the United States and Bolivia’s first indigenous president, was re-elected on December 6. He won more than 64 percent of the votes.