The Diverse and Inclusive Guatemala (Guatemala, Diversa e Inclusiva) project ensures that the sexual/reproductive, legal and labor rights of the LGBTIQ+ community and young people are met. It specifically helps adolescents in Guatemala take ownership of their human rights, exercising them with autonomy and in conditions of inclusion and equality.
Why protecting LGBTIQ+ rights in Guatemala is important
LGBTIQ+ and young people in Guatemala face many challenges preventing them from fully enjoying their sexual and reproductive rights (SRR), access to justice, and labor rights. The predominant patriarchal culture, combined with a volatile political context, leads to discriminatory and violent practices affecting these groups in particular.
Access to comprehensive sexuality education in the country is low: only 7 percent of adolescents had received comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in 2017. Maternal mortality rates are high, and there is an alarming increase in teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions. These situations are caused and aggravated by sexual and gender-based violence that affects girls, adolescents, women and sexually diverse individuals. As for LGBTIQ+ youth, being the target of stigma, discrimination, and violence also results in expulsion or dropping out from school and exclusion from the family circle and/or work environment.
How we work towards a diverse and inclusive Guatemala
To counter this, Hivos has joined forces with eight Guatemalan civil society organizations. These include LGBTIQ+ groups and youth-led organizations specialized in promoting and defending sexual and reproductive rights, and organizations with experience in reaching out to young people and children. We use four intervention strategies: rights empowerment (sexual, legal, labor); capacity strengthening; knowledge management, and policy advocacy.
Together we will ensure that:
- State institutions respond effectively to the demands and needs of young LGBTIQ+ people regarding sexual and reproductive rights and health, access to justice and job opportunities.
- Children, adolescents and youth have proper access to comprehensive sexuality education.
Where
Guatemala, specifically the departments of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Quiché and Huehuetenango.
