Indigenous women and families transform their quality of life, their economy and community wellbeing

About this project

This project addresses the interconnected challenges of poverty, gender inequality, food insecurity and limited access to safe water affecting indigenous families in the communities of Quiacchaj (Joyabaj) and Chunimá sector alto (Chichicastenango), in the department of Quiché, Guatemala. In this region—one of the poorest in the country—many families depend on subsistence agriculture, while limited access to safe drinking water contributes to high rates of gastrointestinal diseases and chronic malnutrition among children. At the same time, deeply rooted patriarchal norms restrict women’s participation in household and community decision-making. The project aims to improve the quality of life, economic resilience and community wellbeing of indigenous women and their families, recognising that women play a central role in family livelihoods but often have limited access to productive resources, economic opportunities and leadership spaces. A distinctive feature of this initiative is its holistic approach to social transformation, working simultaneously at the individual, family and community levels. The project promotes dialogue, reflection and collective learning rooted in the principle of complementarity within the Mayan worldview, strengthening family relationships and shared responsibilities as a foundation for expanding women’s participation and leadership. The project combines three key strategies: improving access to safe drinking water; strengthening women’s economic ca…

Published by

CAFOD · International NGO

Countries

Guatemala

Sectors

Basic drinking water supply and basic sanitationWomen's rights organisations and movements, and government institutionsFood crop productionLivestock

Focus

Environment · Main focus

Funded by

Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD)

Implemented by

Asociacion Unidos por la Vida

Published by CAFOD to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 1 Jun 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: GB-CHC-285776-GUA211.

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