WJI’s community-driven approach harnesses the transformative power of the law, helping women to know and exercise their rights while increasing their access to the justice system.
In 2023, WJI expanded its legal-empowerment methodology into two new areas of the Kaqchikel region. We initiated programming in twelve communities with high levels of gender-based violence, limited access to justice, and few educational and economic opportunities for women.
Ashley*, a woman from Poaquil, entered a union with her expartner when she was only 14 years old. She had her first child at 15, and she is now a mother of six. Her husband’s abuse started not long after they began their relationship.
“He always criticized me, he hit me, he mistreated me and our children, and I endured it. He didn’t provide any money. In fact, I always went to look for work, I went out to wash, and clean, and I did all the chores at home. Even when I was two days away from giving birth, I still worked.”
Two years ago, Ashley’s partner abandoned her and their children. She asked for child support, but he refused. Shortly after, Ashley participated in WJI’s legal literacy course. She says, “I know what my rights are now. Now, I know we don’t deserve this. The workshops gave me hope.” Ashley recognized that the physical and economic violence she experienced was neither normal nor acceptable.
After attending the workshops, Ashley sought legal services from WJI “to ensure I received the child support payments. I was desperate, but WJI gave me the support I needed.” WJI provided comprehensive legal services, helping Ashley navigate the bureaucratic processes, ultimately winning her case and obtaining child support payments from her ex-partner. Now, she lives peacefully in her home with her children. “I don’t have a mother and my family didn’t help me, but I trusted WJI and they delivered. Who was my family? WJI.”
