We are excited to announce that WJI was awarded a $45,000 grant from Dining for Women!  Dining for Women is a global giving circle that funds grassroots projects working in developing countries to fight gender inequality.  This funding will support our Community Advocates Program, developing the leadership skills of 29 Maya women  who promote women’s rights and prevent violence against women and girls in their communities, reaching thousands more women, girls, and men with our work. You will hear more about this wonderful opportunity in March 2018 when WJI is Dining for Women’s featured grantee.

This October, WJI  held our annual Board of Directors Guatemala trip.  Our Board is made up of accomplished individuals from both Guatemala and the United States and this two-day meeting was a great opportunity for everyone to come together and experience WJI’s work firsthand.

The Board met with our talented staff in Patzun and went on a rural site visit to a Women’s Rights Education workshop. It was inspiring for everyone to witness the work of WJI in action and, after very productive strategic meetings in Antigua, we are all optimistic about WJI’s growth in the years ahead.

On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to highlighting the challenges girls face around the world, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.  WJI invests in girls in rural Guatemala through our Adolescent Girls Program, building their confidence and helping them to delay child marriage and continue their studies.

What does the Adolescent Girls Program really mean for girls like 14-year-old participant Gloria?

“I learned how important it is to continue with my education. I am going to apply everything I learned in the program about self-esteem, delaying marriage, family planning, and communication to my life. I am grateful to the Adolescent Girls Program because it motivated me to go back to school, to keep learning, and to share what I have learned with my friends and family.”

WJI celebrates the potential and strength in all girls.

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