Why Guatemala?

Though gender inequality is a universal issue, it is especially problematic in countries such as Guatemala. Not only are young girls of Guatemala confronted with many of the same obstacles that girls from the developed world face, but they are also often facing additional harsh challenges everyday:

POVERTY:
In Guatemala, 53.7% of the total population lives in poverty. And 75% of the indigenous population live in poverty.

LACK OF JOB OPPURTUNITIES:
Only 49% of  adult women in Guatemala are employed compared to 86% of men.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE:
Gender-based violence is at epidemic levels in Guatemala and the country ranks 3rd in the killings of women worldwide. 

GENDER INEQUALITY:
Guatemala ranks 112th out of 135 countries in gender equality, making it the most gender unequal country in Latin America. 

REPRODUCTION RATES:
​50% of Guatemalan girls have a child before the age of 19. 20% (or more) of Guatemalan girls have 2 children before the age of 18.