Guatemala
After the 36 year long civil war that ended in 1996, Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with the conflict which left more than 200,000 people dead or missing. Guatemala has a strong indigenous culture, with indigenous Maya making up about half of the population. Despite being a middle-income country, structural inequality, discrimination and corruption mean that this does not translate into a decent standard of living for the majority, especially the indigenous population.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Guatemala is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change disasters. In the past ten years, it has suffered from extreme hydrometeorological events resulting in economic losses and social and environmental impacts, mainly for rural and indigenous communities.
Despite laws and policies criminalising violence against women, gender-based violence remains widespread and rates of violent deaths of women are escalating. In addition to suffering from violence in their homes, women are exposed to sexual, psychological, physical and economic violence in public spaces. Due to this, women are not fully able to exercise their basic human rights.
Norwegian Church Aid in Guatemala
Been present since
1976
in Guatemala
In 2023, we spent
5.251.000
NOK in Guatemala
Who we are
NCA has been present in Guatemala since 1976, providing emergency assistance and long-term development in local communities. In 2017, NCA became part of the joint programme, Jotay ACTing Together, or ‘Jotay’. NCA brings 40 years of experience and partner relations in Guatemala into this programme implemented together with four other ACT Alliance members; Christian Aid, Church of Sweden, Bread for the World and Lutheran World Federation. This cooperation model fosters synergies amongst the agencies, increases effectiveness, contributes to sustainable development, and builds stronger partnerships with civil society.
What we do
NCA/Jotay in Guatemala contributes to a strong and independent civil society with active participation of women and indigenous peoples, promotes sustainable and resilient development models, and works to eradicate gender-based violence. Together with partners, NCA/Jotay implements long-term development programmes in:
- Gender-based violence (GBV)
- Faith-Based Climate Action (FBCA)
- Rule of Law and the Civil Democratic Security
Long-term development
By addressing the rights of women and indigenous peoples in Guatemala, NCA/Jotay’s long-term development programme eradicates GBV and strengthens civil society and climate resilience.
Humanitarian response
In Guatemala, NCA/Jotay increases local resilience and bridges the gap in the humanitarian-development nexus, through emergency preparedness and response planning. This ensures an appropriate, timely, effective and coordinated response to crises when they occur.
Where we work
NCA/Jotay in Guatemala implements its programme in the departments of Quiché and Totonicapán. The focus is on indigenous women, women leaders from indigenous communities, food producers, faith-based actors and community authorities.
Important documents
(pdf, 589KB)