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 towns hospital to offer free medical care to Cojolyas 37 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.
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, doesnt turn into a priority until someone is gravely ill. In many cases people only start seeking medical treatment once it is already too late. The women of Cojolya range in age from 18 to 75 years old. Most of them have been weaving since they were young, they tend to struggle with ailments once they older.
With this program the artisans of Cojolya have the opportunity to access medical care, as is their human right. In addition, they will be able to enjoy their life, work in a field they like and continue to put food on the tables of their families with the fair trade income they earn from Cojolya. They also will feel more comfortable and confident seeking the medical care they need and deserve. Lastly, we are raising awareness in our community of the importance of one's' health and health care.
As Maya Tz'utujil women, we want to have the equal rights we are systematically denied. 80% of the indigenous Guatemalan women who work as artisans are informal workers, which means they are excluded from any form of social safety network. By providing healthcare, we improve our artisans' quality of life and offer an indigenous empowerment model for other artisan associations. We don't only want to survive in a discriminatory system. We want to thrive. Reliable healthcare is first.
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