Inter-Cultur / Development Cooperation / Guatemala / She thrives: Skill transferring and economic opportunity for women living in Guatemala City’s dump area

Guatemala
She thrives: Skill transferring and economic opportunity for women living in Guatemala City’s dump area

Duration
2021 – 2022

Budget
210 520 €

Beneficiaries
Women

In Guatemala City, the project
↑ In Guatemala City, the project "She Thrives" has focused on helping women living in some of the poorest neighbourhoods in he city. After the project, many of them have found employment or been able to employ themselves working as a beautician, among other things.
Gender equality (SDG 5)Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)Quality education (SDG 4)

Strengthening economic opportunities for women in Guatemala City's vulnerable areas

Girls and women living near Guatemala City’s landfill area are particularly vulnerable and face marginalization and the threat of violence in their daily lives. The areas surrounding the landfill are among the poorest in Guatemala City, violence is widespread, and pollution from the dump is causing health problems for locals. Inter-Cultur, along with its implementing partner Fundación Junkabal, invested in a vocational training program that directly and indirectly impacted the lives of 2,000 women by fostering entrepreneurship and encouraging the growth of micro and small enterprises. The project focused on equipping young and adult women with essential skills in various high-demand fields, enabling them to contribute to their communities and society.

Through a comprehensive vocational training program, women were empowered with skills in sewing and tailoring, catering and food service, beauty services, and home-based businesses. By upskilling these women, the project fostered economic independence and created opportunities for them to become changemakers in their communities. This initiative established a network of women making meaningful contributions, thus promoting social and economic development in the country.

By transferring technical skills and empowering values, this project enabled women to integrate into the job market or start their businesses. Generating and managing their income was crucial for achieving autonomy and empowerment.

This project has been funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Key Achievements and Outcomes:

  • Implemented a Technical Training Program in pastry, professional styling, information technology and social media, and professional cooking.
  • Delivered an Entrepreneurship Program to provide financial, administrative, and productive literacy, helping women identify and develop businesses that create economic impact.
  • Strengthened the job intermediation methodology through the Dual System, enabling beneficiaries to complete the training and start internships leading to formal employment.

Photo gallery

The vocational training encompasses many different fields, such as sewing and tailoring, catering and food service, and beauty services.
↑ The vocational training encompasses many different fields, such as sewing and tailoring, catering and food service, and beauty services.
Many of the women have been able to employ themselves after the project.
↑ Many of the women have been able to employ themselves after the project.

Countries

Bolivia

Home to the Andes mountains, Bolivia faces challenges such as poverty and environmental concerns, particularly among its indigenous populations. Our partnership with AYNI focuses on vocational training, literacy, and sustainable agriculture, aiming to empower marginalized communities and women.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, a country known for its rich indigenous heritage, we address the needs of women in disadvantaged situations through Fundación Junkabal. Our initiatives in vocational training and micro-entrepreneurship are designed to uplift women and advocate for human rights.

Kenya

Kenya's diverse landscape is the backdrop for our efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment in the country. Examples of our work include offering vocational education in Nairobi's slums through SET and Eastlands College of Technology, and improving the agricultural activities of rural women in Turkana County, both aiming to improve life quality and employment prospects with an integral formation model.

Lebanon

Lebanon, with its millennia-old heritage, navigates through profound economic crises and a significant refugee presence. In response, our partnership with PRODES and IMS is dedicated to empowering women through vocational training in hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy, equipping young women from rural areas for better prospects.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, faces social unrest and economic difficulties. Our work with ANDECU supports women by investing in vocational training centers and micro-business resources, empowering them to improve their income levels and overcome challenges in their families and communities.

Uganda

Uganda, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, faces socio-economic disparities and gender inequality impacting vocational education access. Partnering with COWA, we provide women and youth with vocational training and technological empowerment to boost employment opportunities and economic independence, promoting gender equality and sustainable development.