We are excited to announce that WJI was awarded a $60,000 grant from WomenStrong International! WomenStrong finds, funds, nurtures, and shares women-driven solutions and supports collective learning and sharing among women’s organizations. This grant will support WJI to empower Maya girls and boys to prevent child marriage and support gender equality. We will not only be replicating our Adolescent Girls Program, but we will be piloting a parallel program with boys! Men and boys have a crucial role to play in enhancing the rights and well-being of women and girls and in changing social norms. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue engaging with men and boys in Guatemala in order to prevent cycles of violence and poverty.

WJI is a proud member of Girls Not Bride, a global partnership of civil society organizations committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfill their potential. Globally, girls who marry before 15 are 50% more likely to face physical or sexual violence from a partner. In Guatemala, 4 in 10 girls become child brides. WJI is committed to protecting girls’ rights and ending child marriage in Guatemala. Girls Not Brides recently profiled the work of WJI’s extraordinary Community Advocates who are breaking the cycle of child marriage and changing hearts and minds. See how these amazing women leaders are standing up to child marriage so girls can be girls, not brides:

MEET THE MAYAN WOMEN WHO ARE TURNING THEIR COMMUNITIES AWAY FROM CHILD MARRIAGE

We are so grateful for your ongoing support! Our work would not be possible without you.

Photo: Arete/James Rodriguez/Girls Not Brides.