Prevention mechanisms

This project aims to reduce the prevalence of violence against women in the municipalities of Patzité and Chiché in Guatemala. The initiative is based on women’s empowerment so that they can become community leaders and build institutional support networks. In parallel, male leaders are made aware of ‘new masculinities’ in order to challenge patriarchal norms and turn them into allies in the prevention of violence. Finally, the goal is also to establish formal, state-recognised municipal prevention networks to ensure a coordianated and sustainable response to cases of violence. A profound social transformation is expected, by reinforcing advocacy capacities and the empowerment of local communities.  

BACKGROUND

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of feminicide in the world. The project is based in the department of Quiché, where 89% of the population are K’iche’Maya and 86% of the population live in poverty. Indigenous women are facing intersectional discriminations linked to their gender, ethnicity and social status. This context is marked by the legacy of the internal armed conflict (1960-1996) of which Quiché was the centre. The systematic sexual violence suffered by Maya women during this period has perpetuated patriarchal and militarised masculine norms. Although the violence against women is criminalised, the State struggles to tale action in rural areas due to a lack of resources and services adapted to indigenous languages. 

Our Partner

The Research Centre for the Prevention of Violence in Central America -CIPREVICA is our local partner responsible for implementing the project. We have been working together for many years, and this project follows on from similar work carried out in other local authorities. The encouraging results from the previous phases encourage us to continue this work to prevent and combat gender-based violence.