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In the vibrant K'iche' communities of Totonicapán, Guatemala, Indigenous women are breaking barriers and creating sustainable futures through innovative projects that address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote environmental sustainability. Totonicapán is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong organizational structure, with community authorities playing a crucial role in the prevention of violence. Yet a significant element remains missing: the higher participation of women.

±á±ð°ù±ð,Ìý. (JES) is partnering with  (Foundation Network of Violence Survivors) and  (The Association for the Development of Production and Services Tikonel) – an Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Indigenous Peoples Organisation Member. Tikonel sponsors Cooperativa de Desarrollo Integral de Producción y Artesanas de Totonicapán R.L. (Cooperative of Integral Development of Production and Artisans of Totonicapán R.L. – COPRODA), Guatemala’s newest women-owned farming cooperative in Totonicapán. Together, under Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥'s  - which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, partners will implement an initiative to empower women and men to comprehensively address gender-based violence as a barrier to women’s full and active participation and engagement in the cooperative.Ìý

These projects not only empower women economically but also foster a supportive community environment that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women.

Totonicapan communities have faced the deforestation of communal and ancestral woods. This environmental degradation not only threatens the local biodiversity but also the livelihoods of the indigenous communities who rely on these natural resources. Addressing these environmental challenges through sustainable practices is important for the long-term climate change strategy of the region.

© Tikonel

Empowerment through Cooperative Organization

Women in 9 communities Totonicapán have organized into a cooperative to engage in productive activities such as the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). This initiative allows women to cultivate mushrooms in specially prepared rooms, making it an accessible and sustainable option. As part of the sustainable strategy of their cooperative a laboratory has been established where women produce mushroom seeds for community members.

The cooperative structure provides women with financial independence and enhances their business skills. However, these women still face challenges related to traditional gender roles that limit their full participation. Many women are expected to balance their productive work with domestic responsibilities, and there is still lack of support from male counterparts. The mushroom production initiative addresses these challenges by providing a platform for women to collaborate and support each other while also contributing to environmental sustainability. The laboratory's long-term goal is to establish programs that protect local varieties of mushrooms, which are endangered due to deforestation in the area. By focusing on mushroom cultivation, women can engage in profitable agricultural activities without requiring extensive land, thus addressing both economic and environmental challenges.

Strengthening Cooperative Bonds and Support Networks

The "Cultivating Change and Breaking Barriers" RISE grants challenge project is implementing group reflection sessions to strengthen the bonds within women's cooperatives, creating a robust support network and increasing the self-esteem of women. These sessions provide a safe space for women to share their experiences and support each other, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

These group reflections are crucial in building a supportive community environment where women feel valued and empowered. Additionally, the project provides basic knowledge on the services available to women who are victims of GBV, ensuring they have access to the necessary support and resources. By fostering strong cooperative bonds and providing essential information, the project helps women feel more secure and confident in their roles, leading to greater participation in economic and community activities.

Integrating Ancestral Knowledge for Long-Term Impact

Incorporating ancestral knowledge into sustainable practices is vital for the success and acceptance of environmental interventions in K'iche' communities. Traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through generations, offers valuable insights into resource management and environmental stewardship. Taking a step back and listening to the input of project participants and local authorities has been crucial in promoting these practices.

By integrating ancestral knowledge, interventions are more likely to gain community buy-in and be effective in addressing sustainability issues. Ancestral practices such as crop rotation, natural pest control, and forest conservation have proven to be sustainable and resilient. Including these methods in modern sustainability initiatives ensures that environmental interventions are culturally relevant and more readily accepted by the community. Recognizing and respecting the existing structures and practices within the community is essential for fostering trust and cooperation. Women are now leading efforts in natural resource management and biodiversity protection, demonstrating that gender equality and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. The community's resilience has been strengthened, with women at the forefront of sustainable development initiatives that respect and utilize traditional knowledge.

Why This Initiative is Crucial for K'iche' Communities

The K'iche' communities of Totonicapán have a rich cultural heritage and a strong organizational structure. Community authorities are highly effective in mobilizing efforts to prevent violence and address communal issues. However, the full potential of these efforts is not realized without the active participation of women. Ensuring women's involvement in leadership and decision-making processes is essential to creating a truly inclusive and effective community framework.

Empowering Indigenous women in Totonicapán has shown that addressing gender-based violence and promoting environmental sustainability can transform communities. By learning from these initiatives and building on their successes, future projects can continue to create lasting change, ensuring that Indigenous women lead the way towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

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This blog is authored by Azucena Cajas.ÌýAzucena is the project manager for the "Cultivating Change and Breaking Barriers" RISE grants challenge project taking place in Guatemala. A woman of Mayan descent, she is passionate about integrating economic empowerment and gender-based violence prevention into sustainable development initiatives, ensuring that the voices and needs of Indigenous women are at the forefront of these efforts.

^{ABOUT THE RISE GRANTS CHALLENGE}

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