On their journey to Mexico and the United States, migrants face numerous dangers, from harsh environmental conditions to organised crime. The high cost of smugglers, the risk of accidents or human trafficking and the lack of information about the legal framework make women and children particularly vulnerable. AWO International is working with its Guatemalan partner organisation ECAP (Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial) to strengthen civil society in the affected regions. The aim is to ensure the full protection of the human rights of migrants and displaced persons, with a particular focus on women and children. To achieve this, we organise women into groups and provide them with training to enable them to actively defend their rights.
I enjoy being in the women's group because it gives me a space to learn, to find out more about my rights and to give emotional support to others. There was no women's group before and since it started I've been very happy to be a part of it. I've made a lot of progress, I've worked on my self-esteem and now I can express myself with confidence.
Wendy D., 23 years old, participant of the 'Mujeres Empoderadas' (Empowered Women) group - El Aguacate, Nentón, Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Working together to protect migrants
We support internally displaced people and returning migrants through psychosocial services and counselling. We also mobilize networks that make clear demands to policymakers for the protection of migrants and internally displaced persons. Women in particular are empowered to participate actively in decision-making processes. Through this work, we support civil society organisations and the media in exerting political influence and strengthening the protection of migrants.
Through collective activism, women’s organizations raise their voices for their rights and implement strategies they have developed together to exert political influence and drive change. (Poster: "As migrant women, we have the right to live without fear and violence")
Returnees and internally displaced persons receive support and psychosocial care in the groups of ECAP.
The informational services and campaigns of the migration committees have already reached over 60,000 people. A particular focus is placed on supporting individuals from the indigenous Maya groups Popti, Chuj, Q´anjob´al, mam, and Kaqchiquel.
Craft workshops promote women's self-confidence and economic independence by teaching practical skills that open up new income opportunities for them.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Guatemala: Nentón (Chácula, El Aguacate) and San Martín Jilotepeque (El Molino und Xesuj, Los Pinos) |
|---|---|
| Partner | Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial ECAP (ecapguatemala.org.gt) |
| Activities |
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| Duration | 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2027 |
| Budget | 255,000 EUR |
| Sponsor | (BMZ) Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development / Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit |
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