Educate and Empower Girls in Mexico

In Yo quiero Yo puedo ( I want to, I can) we know that girls need to be heard and considered so that they can fully develop. That is the main reason to implement the "Walking Together" Program, with the aim that more girls in preschool and elementary schools in Tlaxcala, State of Mexico, and Chihuahua achieve this goal.

Some of our results show success of this strategy:

• Students reject to a greater extent the normalization of violence (such as teasing and beatings) and have increased life skills solve conflicts through assertive communication instead of violence.

• The enjoy participatory methodology and learning through play approach.

• They recognize that violence can be prevented prevention applying life sills: identifying emotions, active listening, assertiveness, decision making and negotiation.

• They identify that the program has helped them reflect on things they can improve to have better and healthy relationships within the family and community.

• Girls and boys identify the different types of violence and recognize them in their schools.

• They have learn self regulation techniques: identify and practice breathing as good way to relax when dealing with anger.

• They recognize that girls and boys should have the same rights and defend the gender perspective to be treated in the same way, with respect and in a context without violence.

 This testimony exemplifies the achievements:

“There is more awareness in children, little by little the seed of gender equality is seen and seeing it from the perspective as a right for every human being, the relationship has changed; girls are included more in the games”.

2nd grade Teacher from Huamantla, Tlaxcala.

However, this is not enough. We need to reach more girls in Mexico. With your support we will reach more schools to promote actions in favor of empowerment and equality between girls and boys, women and men, to promote they achieve their own goals.