Technology Access for Mayan Women in Guatemala

Summary

This project is creating community technology centers operated by and for Mayan women's groups in the Quiché region for inclusion, empowerment, learning, communication, and economic development.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Because of distance to urban centers, low literacy levels, and limited Spanish langauge skills, Mayan women are marginalized from reaping the benefits of computer and Internet technology. By opening centers in rural areas run by the women themselves and with specially adapted methodologies, they foster a safe, culturally appropiate environment in which other women can receive information, gain new skills, market their products, and visualize new opportunities.

How will this project solve this problem?

With our local partners in each community, we provide technology equipment, scholarships for training courses, specialized e-contents for Mayan women, and technical assistance for training center operation.

Potential Long Term Impact

This project will enable 500 women and their families to raise self-esteem, learn to use a computer, improve communication, and grow their micro-businesses, thereby contributing to stronger local organizations and community development.

Project Message

It is necessary for women to intervene in the decision-making that affects the development of the new technologies, in order to fully participate in their expansion and to control their influence.
- United Nations, Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 1995

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources