Women's Empowerment
Mujeres Siempre Vivas
Guatemala

In Barrio De La Cruz, one of the poorest neighborhoods of San Lucas Toliman, a small group of women are working to improve conditions for themselves and their neighbors. This is a new effort, and at this time EPIC'S role has been one of accompaniment, conversation, and encouragement. One need of the group was to be formally recognized as an organization so that they would be able to solicit assistance for Barrio De La Cruz from the municipal government or from non-governmental organizations. They now have this recognition.

Obtaining firewood for cooking is a big problem in Barrio De La Cruz because most of the families have no land other than the very small plots where their small houses stand and buying firewood is very expensive. Additionally, deforestation is a very serious problem in the whole area surrounding San Lucas Toliman. As the women now calling themselves Mujeres Siempre Vivas have a particular interest in helping the women of their neighborhood, they are promoting firewood conserving stoves. These stoves are not fancy, but they reduce firewood use by more than half. They have many ideas and much enthusiasm, but know that they must look for areas where need and opportunity come together.