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EnglishIndigenous women reclaiming identity, heritage, and rights
Women’s Association for the Development of Sacatepéquez (AFEDES) is a Mayan women-led organization that fights for and defends Indigenous rights and the physical, economic and political autonomy of Indigenous women in Guatemala. They were founded in 1988 in response to the challenges of inequality, economic and food insecurity, chronic malnutrition, and the exclusion of Indigenous women in the municipality of Santiago Sacatepéquez.
Today, AFEDES aspires to live a full life free from oppression, violence, discrimination, racism, and exclusion. In their effort to achieve Utz ‘K’aslemal (Buen Vivir, or life in fullness, or, good living) for women and their families, they promote food sovereignty, political education, and building Indigenous knowledge and skills such as ancestral and natural medicine, and weaving.
In this framework, AFEDES has been successful in their demands that the Guatemalan government recognize their right to protect the collective ancestral intellectual property of Indigenous Mayan weaving designs and clothing. Additionally, AFEDES has succeeded in increasing women’s rights in Guatemala, and strengthening women’s leadership and education about women’s economic, social, cultural and political rights over the years.
Learn more about AFEDES’ work on our blog.
Grassroots Brilliance
Stories of our partners' impact
Alternative Economies | Latin America
“We resist through the art”
The women of AFEDES stand up to corporate theft of Mayan designs.
Alternative Economies | Latin America
“We resist through the art”
The women of AFEDES stand up to corporate theft of Mayan designs.
Grassroots Leadership | Latin America
Indigenous. Woman. Leader.
AFEDES makes sure these three words are found together more often.
Food Sovereignty | Latin America
Defending maize, defending food
“This is our continued battle to defend the integrity and diversity of Mexico’s corn and its connection with an entire culture.”
Asia | Grassroots Leadership
Mobilizing millions
Rural women in Nepal are transforming the economic and political landscape in their country.
Africa | Grassroots Leadership
Stepping into power
An emerging young women’s movement is continuing the work of the previous generation of women’s rights leaders in Zimbabwe.
Alternative Economies | Latin America
A new bottom line
Putting people over profits means a new bottom line.
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