We’re thrilled to share that WJI has been selected by Hivos as a Nexos Program grantee this year! With support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nexos empowers human rights defenders to promote respect for and advance the rights of indigenous groups, women, and LGBTI people.

Through this grant we will build our network of Community Advocates. As local women leaders, they work to protect the rights of Mayan women and girls in Guatemala, ensuring that their peers have access to justice. And more than that, they are creating an incredible support system for women and girls in their communities.

After completing our legal literacy course, Josefina decided she wanted to do something for her community and started our two-year in-depth training to become an Advocate. Today, Josefina leads weekly workshops for 50 girls in Chipiacul alongside Co-Advocate Ericka. With her youngest child in tow, Josefina helps girls think about what they want to achieve in their lives and teaches them how to communicate their goals to delay early marriage.

In addition to training adolescent girls, Josefina  teamed up with elected community leaders to develop an action plan to prevent child marriage in Chipiacul. And did we mention that she makes time to help women in her community receive legal aid from WJI?

Josefina is one impressive woman and we’re so excited for the opportunity to support her and develop a network of dedicated Community Advocates! I look forward to sharing more news about our collaboration with Hivos later this year.

And on behalf of Josefina and the WJI team, thank you for empowering Mayan women and girls to break the cycle of violence and inequality in rural Guatemala.