Empower communities to end child marriage - Mexico

Dear GlobalGivers, 

Our team is in Metlatónoc, hard at work getting the workshops off the ground in each community. We wanted to share with you some of the weekly messages they have sent us from the field over the last two months. We want you to see through their eyes, both the lushness of the mountains of Guerrero, particularly during the torrential rainstorms of rainy season, and the the people, so many of whom want to become agents of change for their families and communities: 

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In the communities of Metlatónoc, there is the widespread belief that by selling your daughter, she will not be mistreated by her new husband because he will take care of her as he would a material object he spent money on. But Julia, Metlatónoc leader, explains to us that in reality, this is not so. Local customs allow girls to be sold into marriage and there are no guarantees that they will not be mistreated. (See Julia speak in video 1 below)

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In early August, Yo quiero Yo puedo facilitators Paty and Benito met with local leader Julia and secretary Catalino, at the Metlatónoc Municipal Office. They met to sign the partnership with Yo quiero Yo puedo to eradicate the sale of girls and women in the communities of Metlatónoc. (See the picture below). They "think it will be difficult, but they will give us all their support.” Though it will be difficult, together with these local leaders we will not stop doing everything in our power so that the girls of Metlatónoc can live freely.

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Thanks to the work of our facilitators in the communities of Metlatónoc, Guerrero, over the course of a few days important alliances have been achieved: the local leaders of Metlatonoc have developed an official letter to endorse our work in the communities, Ciudad de las Mujeres will provide legal advice for the Agreements we are working on with each community to end the sale of girls, and we will have support and accompaniment of Consuelo, of Women´s Social Participation, throughout the program. 

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Working in communities is not always easy, especially when there are multiple languages. In the video below (video 2), Benito, our facilitator, is speaking in Mixteco with residents of Juquila, Metlatónoc, inviting them to participate in the workshops we are offering to build their life skills to end child marriage. After various conversations, meetings and a few obstacles, the workshops are underway. (See the picture above!) We are very excited. 

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In the coming months, we will be starting workshops in additional communities. Follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram: @YoquieroYopuedoONG) if you understand a bit of Spanish and want to see more photos and videos. (Like the picture below of the local pickup truck that Paty and Benito had to wait a couple of hours to catch, to get from one town to the next).  

With gratitude for your support, 
Yo quiero Yo puedo

Links:

• Video 1: Julia tells us about local beliefs
• Video 2: Benito uses Mixteco to invite residents to a workshop