On Friday the 8th of March, Sueños y Esperanzas celebrated International Women’s Day with the community of San Juan La Laguna. Students from various programs along with their mothers came together to hike to the top of the town’s mirador, Kaqasiiwaan. When we arrived, we were greeted by a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding villages. To end our celebration, we listened to speeches, sang songs, danced, and recited empowering chants on top of the mirador. These activities were aimed at cultivating and empowering a strong community of local women.
Women in Guatemala
Women are among the most marginalized groups in Guatemala. With a strong machista culture still pervasive throughout the country, women are often unable to participate in many aspects of Guatemalan society. They have less opportunities to enter the labor force, contribute to the economy, participate in decision-making processes, or receive a variety of social services. Guatemala also faces an epidemic of gender-based violence, with some of the highest rates of violent female deaths in the world.
Indigenous women in Guatemala face even greater barriers to social inclusion. They are often subjected to poverty, lack of education, and exclusion from government. According to UN Women, indigenous women are “underrepresented in all spheres of political power”. However, there is an emerging women’s movement taking hold in the country, specifically among the indigenous population. For example, the Indigenous Women’s Platform was created to advocate for the unique needs of indigenous women in a variety of public spaces and law-making bodies. The women of this country are fighting back against deeply ingrained societal beliefs, and here at Sueños y Esperanzas we are dedicated to supporting this essential effort.
Our Work at Sueños y Esperanzas
Beyond International Women’s Day, the work we do at Sueños y Esperanzas is closely linked to the fight for gender equality in Guatemala. By providing women and girls access to education and a space to believe in themselves and their futures, we hope to break a long cycle of poverty and subjucation. Some programs we currently have in place include scholarships, beauty classes, cooking courses, and English classes. If you want to support the continuation of these programs and Sueños y Esperanzas’ mission to create a more equal Guatemalan society, you can find a link to donate at the top of our page.
References:
U.S Agency for International Development
UN Women-Americas and the Caribbean
UN Women- Indigenous women in Guatemala don’t ask for permission, and they speak up