About the project

The Bolivian “polleras”, voluminous skirts commonly associated with the indigenous women of the highlands, have for decades been a symbol of uniqueness, but also an object of discrimination. In Cochabamba, Bolivia, female skateboarders in the city wear the traditional “polleras” as a symbol of resistance. Originally worn by the indigenous women of the highlands, these voluminous skirts were imposed in the 16th century during the Spanish conquest, but over the centuries the garment became part of the local identity. For Dani Santiváñez, 26, a Bolivian skater, the skirts represent authenticity and stigmatisation.

Together with two friends, she founded the women’s collective “ImillaSkate” in 2019 to set an example of self-determination. They only wear the polleras to skate and use their skateboards to empower women and spread their message of inclusion and acceptance of diversity.
Imilla is organized in partnership with the photo festival Biennale della Fotografia Femminile, Mantua, Italy.