Healthcare is a human right, but here in rural Guatemala, it is not always accessible - especially for indigenous women. That is why we are working with our local hospital and pharmacy to offer healthcare for our artisans. Because of this collaboration, we guarantee that our artisans can continue working as weavers and keep supporting their families with their income. With your support, we further empower Maya women in their pursuit of fair wages, academic opportunities, and now healthcare.
Many of our artisans start weaving on the backstrap loom as young as 10 years old and continue working in this physically taxing craft their entire lives. Without proper support and healthcare many weavers will develop chronic health issues. To receive necessary healthcare, members of our rural community have to go to private medical centers, which, due to the economic hardships indigenous families face in their everyday life, doesn't turn into a priority until someone is gravely ill.
We set out to guarantee that our artisans will receive basic healthcare in our local private hospital and/or can buy the medicine they need in the local pharmacies in Santiago. At the beginning or every year every member of our health program receives their health card, which has a dedicated amount they can use for healthcare expenses. Cojolya also offers additional financial support in case of emergencies. Lastly, we are raising awareness in our community of the importance of health care.
Since 2021 our health project has expanded from 37 to 42 beneficiaries, aiming to secure the long-term wellbeing of our weavers. Their health is vital for sustaining their artisanal work, which provides economic stability and quality of life. Given that 80% of indigenous Guatemalan women artisans are informal workers without social protections, our program fills a critical gap. By ensuring access to healthcare, we offer a model of empowerment for Maya Tz'utujil women to thrive, not only survive.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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