Challenges on the ground
Living conditions in the Polochic Valley of the Alta Verapaz region are harsh. Tropical storms destroy homes and crops, while floods can devastate entire villages. Large-scale economic projects result in land loss and forced resettlement. Many families lose their homes and livelihoods. Women and girls are particularly badly affected – they are more often exposed to violence, exploitation and discrimination. Finding help is often difficult because support services are lacking or difficult to access.
Our approach: protection and support
In collaboration with the Guatemalan organisation ECAP (Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial), AWO International is working to protect women and provide them with access to support. The project combines disaster preparedness, psychosocial support and violence prevention. The goal is to empower women and communities to become more resilient and enable them to actively contribute to the protection of their rights.
We have reached an important milestone in our development. Women now know their rights, understand the extent of domestic violence and, above all, feel empowered to take action. It is through our community that we have been able to nurture this inner strength in each and every woman.
Ana Rosalia T.Q, Project Manager at ECAP in the field of mental health
Safe spaces and psychosocial support
Several communities are creating safe spaces where women can exchange ideas, receive psychosocial support and access information about their rights and health. These places also serve as meeting points for organising mutual support and building trust. Women who have experienced violence receive support in processing traumatic experiences and finding new paths forward.
Strengthening local structures and prevention
The project also strengthens local structures. Community groups develop emergency plans that consider the specific needs of women and children. In workshops, women and young people learn how to protect themselves from violence and where to find help in an emergency. This creates a strong network that can respond quickly in crisis situations.
Workshops on sexual self-determination empower girls and young women in Guatemala.
Three hundred mothers have been empowered through self-help groups, giving them more control over their lives, bodies and environment.
Local communities are setting up emergency committees to conduct evacuation drills and regularly review their measures.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Guatemala: Cobán (Cabecera); Santa Catalina la Tinta (Kantiha y Amazonas); Panzós (Rio Frio, Bella Flor y Cahaboncito) |
|---|---|
| Partner | Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial -ECAP- https://ecapguatemala.org.gt/ |
| Activities |
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| Duration | January 2024 - February 2025 |
| Budget | 50,000.00 EUR |
| Sponsor | WDR Kampagne- „Mütter in Not“, Aktion Deutschland Hilft |
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