More Than 100 People Participate in Workshops on Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an epidemic in Latin America. In Mexico alone, it is estimated that 70% of women 15 and older have experienced violence at least once (INEGI, 2022). And the numbers only get worse for women from other marginalized groups.

Indigenous women, for example, experience three intersecting levels of violence based on class, gender, and ethnicity. They also have the highest illiteracy rates and limited access to health care and employment opportunities.

These challenges must be addressed using an intersectional perspective that considers their lived experiences and proposes practical solutions. As part of its efforts to bring an intersectional perspective to its work, Pro Mujer hosted the workshop “Building Inclusive Spaces for Indigenous Women” for representatives from organizations that work with this population. 

The workshop focused on teaching participants how to identify GBV, strengthening their understanding of the issue, and providing tools to help them address and prevent multiple forms of violence.

The workshop was held in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, and Mérida, Yucatán, two of the states in Southeast Mexico where Pro Mujer is present.

More than 120 people participated in the two workshops, and the outcomes were significant.

• 96% of participants reported that their knowledge of GBV increased.
• 85% would recommend the workshop to their colleagues.
• 64% believe that they are able to take action to address GBV in their organization thanks to what they learned from the workshop.

In addition to covering GBV, the workshops also addressed another aspect of inequality that significantly impacts Indigenous women: economic dependency. 

More than 40% of Indigenous women report being economically dependent on their partners (INPI, 2012). Within this context, entrepreneurship can be a transformative step toward financial autonomy.

The second stage of the workshop included a module focused on promoting entrepreneurial ecosystems for women.

The objective was to build partnerships and local connections to meet the needs of each organization, building bridges to support women entrepreneurs in the region and prioritize their personal, professional, and financial development.

The second module was implemented in both Chiapas and Yucatán for approximately 50 participants.

Thanks to these spaces for discussion and collaboration, participating organizations were able to identify opportunities for growth, potential partners, and new tools that can be used to support women in the region, encourage local development, and boost the well-being of all who live there.