On behalf of WJI, we want to wish you a happy Mother’s Day! This Mother’s Day, we want to thank the women who are building better futures for their families and their communities. At WJI, we’re fortunate to have incredible women on our team like Field Technician Estela Calcá.

Estela recently spoke about what it means to her to be a mother to 7-year-old Angel and 1-year-old Mateo (pictured with her above).

“What I like the most about being a mother is knowing that I am a role model to my children. There are times when you laugh so much with your kids but there are times when you cry together with them.  This is all part of the great experience of being a mother and I’m so appreciative of that.

When I think about the future of my boys, I want them to be good men, hard working men, and men who grow up practicing gender equality and knowing that we are all equal.”

Celestina, one of WJI's Women's Rights Education Program participants, also discussed her dreams for her daughter. "I would like her to be a lawyer or a doctor so that she can serve other people. I would say that I want her to be a greater person than me."

We’re grateful for women like Estela and Celestina this Mother’s Day who empower Maya women and families to break the cycle of violence and inequality in rural Guatemala. And on behalf of the team, thank you. Our work would not be possible without you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Mother’s Day!