Z18 School, San Lucas Sacatepequez, Saturday, July 18

Saturday, July 18, 2009

On our last official delegation day, we got up early to go to a school in zone 18, a pilot program that is sponsored by MIA. Partially destroyed by a flood less than a year ago, much of the school was ruined. The delegates grabbed some shovels and started leveling out the land to supply a foundation where a new computer lab will be built, and met one of the female students that MIA helps to sponsor so that she can continue her education.

We then drove to San Lucas Sacatepequez, for what was the most devastating meeting of the entire week. We went to the home of Aura Suruy, whose three daughters, ages 7, 9, and 11, were all beaten, raped, and murdered this past May 29 (http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2009/junio/16/321595.html). In unbearable pain, the mother has got help with her case from Fundacion Sobrevivientes and also got some help of MIA’s big sister organization, the Guatemala Peace and Development Network (GPDN), to help sponsor her male children’s continuing education.

Ending the delegation on such a horrific story definitely ignited the anger in us to come back to the U.S. and work for Guatemala in whatever ways we can.

USAid, Camino Seguro, Friday July 17

Justine Reports:

As a result of our questions at the U.S. Embassy on Monday, a team from USAID gave MIA a visit on Friday morning to discuss the U.S. funds that are provided as the “Foreign Assistance Strategy” to the Guatemalan government. Aware of the blatant corruption that occurs, we were curious as to what measures are taken to ensure the appropriate and responsible use of these funds by the government.

The goal of the assistance strategy, according to USAID, is “to help build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system.” The main component has been the Rule of Law program, which had a five-year contract and will end this September. The program serves to seek accountability within the justice system, works with NGO’s and the public ministry and includes a budget for non-profit organizations, sports programs, and San Carlos University. However, noting the weakness of the public ministry, USAID acknowledged that this weakness is ever-prevailing and continues to facilitate impunity. Hearing this acknowledgement by USAID, and taking into account the continuously persistent injustice for women in Guatemala that we have spent the week learning about, USAID’s visit instilled little confidence among the delegates in the effectiveness of aid in dealing with femicide and violence against women.

In the afternoon, MIA visited one of Guatemala’s largest cemeteries, which is situated next to the country’s largest dump. As soon as we drove into the gates of the cemetery, our attention was diverted to a man holding two glass bottles, stumbling along the road. Yelling and mumbling to himself as he swerved from side to side, smashing the glass bottles against the lamp posts, we developed a deeper understanding of the unfortunate manifestations of the strife and angst of the country’s troublesome past.

A guide then walked us along the cliff of the cemetery, overlooking the massive dump. Even from a significant distance away, the stench was almost unbearable. We then drove to the neighborhood of slums next to it, where neighborhoods ironically named “Esperanza” (“Hope”) and “Libertad” (“Freedom”) are nestled around garbage and are accompanied by bugs, rats, and worms. These neighborhoods have neither running water nor electricity, and people breathe methane gas on a daily basis. Most children do not attend school, but rather work with their families in the dump every day to collect recyclables, usually about .70 cents worth a day.

After the walk around the neighborhood we got a tour of the Safe Passage [Camino Seguro], founded several years ago by Hanley Denning as a “reinforcement center” and essential shelter for the people occupying the neighborhood next to the dump. Relying on donations of about $2 million a year, the center contains daycare and activities for children of all ages, a library and computer center, a playground, medical office, and a women’s literacy center. While the Guatemalan government little concerns itself with developing extremely impoverished areas such as those next to the dump, it was valuable for us to be able to see at least one glimpse of light for these adults and children. Although all the people return to their own homes at night, it is essential for them - especially the children (who reportedly often suffer incest in their packed living proximities) – to get pleasant memories of love and compassion where they can.

San Carlos U, Police Archives, and Sandra Moran / Cafe Artesana, Thursday, July 16

Justine reports:

Thursday morning, MIA went to San Carlos University where Lucia gave a presentation on MIA's Hombres Contra Feminicidio program at a gender equity conference.

We then went to the National Police Archives and got a tour from Alberto Fuentes. The archives contain approximately 80 million documents of accounts of human rights violations from the government that occurred during Guatemala’s 30-year civil war, including accounts of illegal detentions, illegal prisons, and tortures, among others. Though the Guatemalan government claimed that these documents did not exist, they were found only in July of 2005, when military officials inspected a munitions dump after an explosion occurred.

The documents, which were found in a decaying building and covered with mold, rats, and bugs, have since been moved into the National Police Archives Building.

There, they have established a system in which to clean, organize, and digitize the documents, of which we were able to witness the processes during our tour. Benetech, a nonprofit organization from Silicon Valley, California, has assisted the Guatemalan investigators through providing means by which to scan and analyze the documents. Thus far, they have found that at least 15% of these accounts showed evidence of human rights abuses. Though nothing can be done to reverse the anguish that the country suffered during the civil war, finding and

honoring the cases contained in the archives may help victims and families heal the wounds of injustice that were brought on by the war.

We then drove to Café Artesana, an activist, art, and learning center near the Palacio Nacional. It is directed by Sandra Moran, a well-known political and feminist activist in Guatemala, who was a member of the Sector de Mujeres (women’s sector) that pushed for the inclusion of gender equity in the 1996 peace accords. Though included in the accords, gender equity has yet to be implemented – that is where Moran, along with many others, comes into the picture.

The goal of Sandra Moran and Café Artesana is a world in which women and men are able to live without violence. The Café the project of a women’s collective comprised of feminists and feminist artists, and is a space for art, expression, and freedom for women and men, without any fear of racism, sexism, or discrimination.

One of Café Artesana’s current focuses is working with women in jail, helping women use art as a tool to reflect on and empower their lives.

We had a lengthy discussion with Moran about current Guatemalan and U.S. politics, the newly instituted but rarely implemented Femicide Law, and the overall situation of women in Guatemala. After days of what has seemed like a crash course in government corruption, impunity, and institutionalized violence against women, it was a much-needed breath of fresh air to hear an optimistic glimpse from Moran as our discussion ended. Reiterating that her goal for the state of women in Guatemala would probably never be reached in her lifetime, and acknowledging that despite the hardships she and other activists face, we must keep in mind that the small victories, such as the establishment of Café Artesana, are the base for the bigger, revolutionary changes. Justice and equality is a day-to-day struggle, Moran said, but with enough commitment and patience, eventually the moment will come when our work will lead to positive change.

Hunger Strike, MuJer, Carlos Ibanez, Wednesday, July 15

Katherine reports:
Wednesday morning we spent time supporting Fundacion Sobrevivientes and the hunger strike they are doing to bring home the three Guatemalan children who were sold into illegal adoptions. Norma Cruz, the founder of Sobrevivientes, is leading the strike along with several mothers of the kidnapped children, as well as Shyrel Osborn, an American who moved to Guatemala 13 years ago as a missionary and started a home for children who have no other place to go. The strike started at 9am sharp and drew a crow of reporters and supporters in front of Guatemala City’s courthouse. We all received t-shirts with the phrase:

Enterremos Juntos
La corrupcion
La impunidad
Y La injusticia

Which translates into English as,

Together we will stop
The corruption
The impunity
And the injustice.

While wearing our shirts we held the banners for Hombres Contra Feminicidio (MIA’s chapter of the universal White Ribbon Campaign), and the Guatemala Peace and Development Network, which was also co-founded by Lucia and is the proud big sister of MIA.

Two of the three families that have illegally adopted the children have been notified of the circumstances under which they received the children, and one has vowed to fight until the very end to keep the child, while the other has gone into hiding so as not to lose the baby.

Lots of pictures were taken throughout the morning and several crews filmed us. Many people walked trough our demonstration on their way to or from the courthouse, so we hopefully got the message across. We were able to use the restrooms in the courthouse, but we had to take the t-shirts off before they would let us in.

After the day’s activities we went back to the strike for a few hours to show our support. The demonstration had been moved to a tent under an awning on the concrete square in front of the Palacio de Justicia (Plaza of Justice), a very ironic title given the state of justice in Guatemala. The media was gone, as were many of the supporters from the morning. People gathered in small groups to chat or make a trip to the Burger King across the square to use the restrooms.

Human trafficking is not a new issue for Guatemala, especially the illegal adoption industry. We hope for the sake of the people not eating and for the families involved that these children will be brought back to their home where they belong. Bringing these children back would be a great start to fighting this illegal industry and asserting the basic human rights of the Guatemalan people to the world.

Marlene Reports:

The MIA delegation met with Ana Moraga, the director of MuJER, a non-profit organization that aims to empower sex workers in Guatemala City. Ana gave an overview of the different services that MuJER provides. For instance, the organization puts on workshops that address several critical issues, such as self-esteem building and protection from violence. Furthermore, MuJER offers classes that provide skills training for sex workers in several areas. These classes include cosmetology, computers, English, and primary education. One of the more popular classes shows the women how to make jewelry that they can sell to supplement their income.
In addition to discussing MuJER’s activities the group also addressed sex workers’ current situation. Three women that have benefited from MuJER’s work were part of the discussion and graciously answered our questions. Among several themes that emerged from the discussion was sex workers’ vulnerable status in the country. The Department of Health regulates the sex work trade, although sex work itself is illegal. A recent human trafficking law meant to protect children and youth prohibits sex work in bars and brothels, which had previously offered a minimal level of protection. Therefore, sex workers are in a precarious position due to the clandestine nature of their work.

Another theme that came up and that demonstrates another level of vulnerability is the fact that about 60% of sex workers that MuJER works with are not Guatemalan citizens. Most are migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. These women often lack documentation that allows them to remain legally in Guatemala. Furthermore, officials continually demand to see a work visa which migrant sex workers cannot obtain since their trade is illegal. Therefore, officials subject sex workers to arbitrary and discriminatory policies since they do not have any kind of legal protection.

In a country where women as a whole have a subordinate position in society, sex workers are among the most marginalized group at both the social and economic levels. Two of the women who visited us were single mothers. They were forced to take sole responsibility for their children’s welfare after their husbands abandoned the family. One of the women emphasized that she had tried to work as a waitress but simply could not make ends meet with the dismal salary that the job provided. By choosing to work in this sexual commerce, these women engaged in one of the more economically viable options available to them, which brings us to one of MuJER’s key objectives, which is to provide skills training that simultaneously empowers women. MuJER emphasizes that sex work is a choice. The women, due to a range of circumstances, weighed their options and decided that sex work was the choice that worked for them at these particular moments in their lives. Therefore, while the organization teaches them skills that could eventually lead to alternative employment strategies (all three women brought jewelry they designed and the delegates went on a mini shopping spree!), it simultaneously promotes the development of self-awareness and stresses women’s autonomy.

Katherine reports again:

Wednesday evening before dinner, Carlos Ibanez, an expert on human trafficking in Guatemala, joined us at our hotel to give a brief overview of the trafficking infustry in Guatemala.

There are three main characteristics of human trafficking: 1) loss of freedom and liberty, 2) others gaining from one’s exploitation, and 3) the trafficked person is taken from their native culture and home. Currently, 7,000 Guatemalan children are being trafficked and sexually exploited.
The laws and justice systems of many countries have not caught up to this issue of modern day slavery, and Guatemala is no exception. Only recently have they adopted a law against trafficking, and there is yet to be a case taken to court using the new law. Many people in Guatemala, as well as the anti-trafficking community, agree that it is not the law itself that will make a difference, but rather the enforcement of the new law that will being an end to trafficking.

Because of Guatemala’s unique location, sharing borders with four other nations and between two oceans, Ibanez emphasized that it is an ideal place for traffickers to target their victims.

Many people play a role in the trafficking of humans, so cracking down is often a long and sometimes complicated process. Understanding the various roles and how we as U.S. citizens benefit from the trafficking is crucial to understanding how to fight smugglers and end human trafficking.

Rosa Franco, Jorge Velasquez, and USAC, Tuesday, July 14

At the beginning of the day, MIA received visits from two surviving parents of murdered women. The first parent who visited us was Rosa Franco, whose daughter Maria Isabel was killed in 2001, at age 16. Maria Isabel worked in a clothing store and noticed a man that seemed to have been stalking her on numerous occasions. One night, leaving from work, she was abducted and forced into a car, and was severely beaten, raped, and left in a ditch to die.

Maria Isabel, a beautiful young woman, enjoyed wearing makeup and cute clothing. This, according to the public defense attorney, meant that she must have been a prostitute. After over a year of frustrating attempts to further her daughter’s case, Amnesty International helped Franco get her case into the InterAmericas Court. While Franco says that Amnesty International was helpful pushing her case, she said that that the IAC had its own special political interests connected to Guatemala and thus failed to push a legitimate investigation of her daughter’s murder. As a result of Franco’s determination to obtain justice for Maria Isabel, she has been subjected to various threats and the IAC has provided her family with its own security. Without any satisfactory progress to note, Franco is still trying to push her daughter’s investigation, much to the displeasure of the Guatemalan government, she noted.

Shortly after, Jorge Velazquez met with MIA to discuss the murder of his daughter Claudina, who was raped and murdered while walking home from a party. In a similar fashion to Maria Isabel’s case, Claudina’s murder was delegitimized by the police and the public defense attorney. They insisted that she must have been a prostitute due to the facts that she was wearing sandals, a choker necklace, had a navel piercing, and her body was found in a middle class neighborhood. Consequently, as a “prostitute,” her case was not worth investigating.

Claudina’s fingerprints were not taken at the crime site or at the morgue. The police immediately covered her body, even before the crime scene investigators arrived. There were also major discrepancies surrounding her time of death. Velazquez has been trying to push his daughter’s investigation for several years to no avail, but believes that his daughter’s brutal murder is a result of the reality that narcotic traffickers often use women as tools in their transactions, what is believed to be a major factor of violence against women in the country. While Velazquez and his family have not been able to obtain justice to perhaps ease the healing process, he aspires for a Guatemala in which impunity does not exist to further the pain that families of victims of violence must endure.

The personal testimonies of Rosa Franco and Jorge Velazquez left a heavy air in the room; several of us were in tears. Such tragic accounts, however discouraging as we realized the magnitude of impunity that too often overpowers women’s cases, gave us even further inspiration for the cause to which we have become dedicated.

MIA then visited San Carlos University, the last public university in Guatemala. Randi and Jenny, who are long-time friends of MIA, gave us a presentation along with the rest of their on-campus activist group, Collectivo Rogelia Cruz. Giving a thorough and accurate history of the country, they discussed the military coup in 1951 that was aided by the United States and put Jacob Arbenz in power, leading to the 30-year old civil war that began in 1960 and, despite the signing of peace accords in 1996, continues to haunt Guatemala. The group also presented on the student movement that arose in the 60’s and 70’s as a result of the massive inequalities that ensued as a result of war and contributed to society’s overall resistance to the political climate. As the student movements began at this very university, Collectivo Rogelia Cruz gave us a tour of the incredible murals around campus that serve as both intricate works of art and heartfelt accounts of the country’s history.

U.S. Embassy, the FIrst Lady, and Sobrevivientes Monday, July 13

MIA’s first meeting of the day was an 11am appointment at the United States Embassy with the U.S. Embassador to Guatemala, Stephen McFarland (“The Unusual Diplomat,” in the July 13 issue of El Periodico Guatemala, www.elperiodico.com.gt). Accompanying us was Gladys Monterrosa, the wife of the ombudsman, who was recently a victim of horrific rape and violence. In demonstration of Guatemala’s system of severe injustice for women, Gladys testified her experience and the extremely flawed investigation that followed.

During the investigation, no efforts were made to gather information or evidence from Monterrosa regarding her experience. An investigator, however, visited Monterrosa’s office and interviewed her assistant. He asked questions about Monterrosa’s salary, money spent, and call history, among other irrelevant inquiries. Additionally, the investigator asked about the office assistant’s marital status, which at the moment was single. Later in the investigation, this information was used against her to build the defense against Monterrosa’s case – the office assistant had since married, yet because she had previously stated that she was single, she was considered a “liar” in order to discredit Monterrosa’s case. Since the investigation began and was picked up by the CICIG Rincon, all of the questions asked of Monterrosa have to do with personal matters instead of details of her assault. Monterrosa noted that there has been no investigation of any potential suspects – the only one being investigated is Monterrosa herself.

As her husband was suspected to eventually run for office, some believe that successful prosecution in Monterrosa’s case would amount to sympathy for the family and result in an increase in women’s votes. Monterrosa’s brave testimony gave MIA an important opportunity to show that impunity, especially in cases of violence against women, affects even the upper class.

Embassador MacFarland commended Monterrosa’s courage and says that he has faith that the CICIG will eventually lead her to justice. Keeping in mind that Monterrosa’s tragic case is all too familiar in Guatemala, McFarland said that the solution to the profound problem of violence against women must be recognized and dealt with from within the justice system, as well as changes to the overall mindset of society. He noted the implementation of USAID to the Guatemalan government to combat impunity, as well as potential police reform – both of which, provoked by questions from two of the delegates, resulted in two more related invitations for appointments for MIA later on in the week.

MIA’s next meeting was with the First Lady of Guatemala, Sandra Colom. As we had been learning a great deal thus far about the impunity system, it was helpful to learn more about what Colom believes to be the major factors that add to such violence in the first place. She asserted that femicide and other violence is not only a problem of law, but that it is a social systemic problem that starts at home, facilitated by “machismo” culture, poverty, poor health, and lack of education.

Colom was candid in her responses. Admitting her regrets that she has been so overwhelmed with the seemingly infinite problems that plague Guatemala, she admits that she has not been able to focus a significant amount of time and energy to the issue of femicide. She discussed the new series of social programs called “Consejo de Cohesion Social,” which, according to Colom, do address what she considers to be factors that contribute to violence – particularly poverty and education. Addressing the high illiteracy rate among indigenous women, financial dependence of women on their husbands, domestic violence, the overall malnutrition of society, and intergenerational poverty, Colom hopes that as long as these programs generate results, they will continue in the coming years. She noted that the economic elite, however, will likely be the main obstacles to the success of these programs, as interruptions of the cycles of poverty and violence are contrary to their political agendas.



MIA’s third meeting of the day was with Fundacion Sobrevivientes (Survivors Foundation), an organization that works to ensure justice for women in cases of rape, sexual violence, illegal adoptions, and other crimes, as well as provides a shelter when necessary. It was founded in 1999 by Norma Cruz and her daughter, Claudia Maria Hernandez Cruz, and plays a vital role in intervening in women’s legal cases that would otherwise be subjected to the injustice of impunity. Norma, pictured above, was awarded the "Women of Courage" award this year by the Obama administration.

They essentially “make a system work that doesn’t want to work,” according to Eugenia, the assistant to Norma Cruz who spoke with us. Aside from the improbable circumstance that a woman would be able to find justice in the Guatemalan system on her own, most women with whom Fundacion Sobrevivientes works cannot afford the high cost of legal systems – so the organization provides its services for free.

Currently in the center of the foundation’s heart is the issue of illegal adoption, for which Norma Cruz told us she was planning a hunger strike. At the subject of the strike are three different cases whose scenarios are all too familiar for Guatemala. In many cases, a young child or infant may be abducted and declared “abandoned,” yet when a mother may come forward, the defense facilitating the illegal adoption claims that the mother is too impoverished to provide a decent life for the child.

In one of the cases for which Sobrevivientes is protesting, a woman had left her infant with a relative while she went grocery shopping. While she was gone, someone entered the house claiming to have been told by the mother to pick up the child, and kidnapped her for a lucrative illegal adoption in the United States. Because illegitimate procedures were followed in each three cases, Sobrevivientes is calling for legal procedure both in Guatemala and in the U.S. to void all three adoptions.

Norma Cruz, along with Sheryl Osborne – an American working with orphans in Guatemala – have both said that they are willing to starve to death in the hunger strike if all three children are not returned home. Learning about the important work that Fundacion Sobrevivientes does for women in Guatemala and the amazing strength of Norma Cruz, we gained tremendous inspiration for the rest of our delegation and for our work in the U.S. in the future.

Market in Chichicastenango, Sunday July 12

With no meetings scheduled for the day, the delegation was able to enjoy the scenery while driving from Xela to Chichi. We got to shop during the day at the most famous market in Guatemala, eyeing and buying blankets, accessories, and clothing – all of which are beautifully intricate and will help us sustain our memories of this precious country once we return home. On our way back to Guatemala City we stopped at the home of Lulu, a longtime friend of MIA, who fed us home-made tamales, Guatemala style, while we prepared for the busy week ahead.

Meeting Grupo Cajola

Justine reports: The MIA delegation drove to the state of Quetzaltenango and visited Cajola, a 500-year-old town nestled in the highlands with a population of approximately 18,000. The people of Cajola, 93% of whom are Maya Mam, still use the Mam language and are one of the oldest of people of Mesoamerica. Unfortunately, with a poverty index of 94%, Cajola is typical of the indigenous people of Guatemala.


We visited the headquarters of Grupo Cajola, an organization based in Cajola and in Morristown, New Jersey, where the group was formed in 2000 by Eduardo, a proud son of Cajola. In Morristown, Eduardo became involved in the immigrant rights organization that was founded by Karen Maxim, one of Grupo Cajola’s directors. Together, Eduardo and Karen have developed and implemented bi-national projects to help develop enterprises to benefit the town of Cajola.

Eduardo has since returned to Cajola to help his community, and Karen now splits her time between Cajola and Morristown. By implementing her knowledge gained as a former corporate businesswoman, along with her and Eduardo’s unprecedented dedication and compassion, Grupo Cajola has created continuously expanding development projects, including an egg farm, textile business, and leadership training to help empower the women of Cajola.




Eduardo’s family graciously hosted a traditional Guatemalan lunch for MIA. We got the chance to see the results of Grupo Cajola’s hard work when Karen gave us a tour of the chicken farm through which the egg business operates, as well as a glimpse into the space where the women weave their textiles.


We also took a tour of the village’s town center, which now contains a library and Internet center, along with several other important developments made possible by the support of Grupo Cajola.








MIA then met with the two groups of women who work in Cajola’s egg farming and textile businesses. The MIA members and sisters of Cajola sat side by side in a circle as we discussed the adversities facing the women of the town, the progress that Grupo Cajola has helped make, and inquired about each other’s lives as Cajola women and as Americans. Language barriers were transcended through laughter, and despite the radically different lives of the women of Cajola and the delegates in the United States, a true solidarity was formed and the MIA delegates gained enormous inspiration from Grupo Cajola and its women who are committed to the positive developments of the beautiful town.


Now more from our male delegate, Celso Baez:

So about this only male thing. I soon noticed I was volunteered to join Chris at night to park the space van. I have no complaints. Our lovely walks back to Casa San Jose made for good conversation. However I won't mention any names, but I heard a few delegates were bothered by the decision to have the only male in the delegation accompany the other male. "We can all go," "(I) could also join Chris", were some of the things mentioned. I'd encourage anyone to join us next time.

Problem solved.

We made our way out of Casa San Jose at the break of dawn. Cajola was our destination. We spent five and a half hours on endless winding roads that ascended and descended. The scenery was gorgeous. The cultivated lands accented the magnificent mountains. We finally arrived after a few delays on the road due to traffic and a stretch break.

Grupo Cajola is a community-based organization based in the U.S. -Morristown and Atlanta-and in Guatemala. In Guatemala they are considered non-profit status. They organized on the fundamental values of rights for women, men, children, youth and the elderly. More importantly, they organized to promote the well being of the people of Cajola so that they have equal rights to a dignified life, including health, education, safety, and integral development.

Cajola is a town of 18,000, located in the highlands of the department state of Quetzaltenango. 93% of the people are Maya Mam. The Mam are one of the oldest people in Mesoamerica, and still speak their own language. Cajola was founded more than 500 years ago. Cajola means, "son of water" because of its rivers. 25% of Cajola's people live in the central, urbanized section while the other 75% live in the outlying rural area. Agriculture is the most important economic activity.

Unfortunately, Cajola has a high poverty index, 94% of the people live in poverty, 57% in extreme poverty. I was in utter shock when I heard there was only one health center with one doctor. 69% of Cajola's people are illiterate, 77% of her housing is in bad condition, 41% of the houses are overcrowded, 49% lack sanitary services.

Karen Maxim from New Jersey along with Eduardo, a community leader, have managed to increase the commerce, which has subsequently boosted the spirit of Cajola. Together with treadle looms and the skills to sell a fine basket of eggs, the women of Cajola have successfully jump-started a lucrative chicken and textile business. Like all other businesses, the women of Cajola have suffered a fair share of setbacks.

However, the M.I.A. delegation was concerned with issues regarding their safety and their rights. Over fresh coffee and sweet bread, the delegates and the women of Cajola met to discuss a typical day. Some of them mentioned a recent killing of a woman near the village. Some say she was involved in a lustful affair, others don't know exactly why she was murdered. We asked about their reaction and what preventive measures they have taken to be aware of potential heinous situations. They say that most of them are already in their homes either preparing dinner or maintaining other household duties. They say the man has the career, and the woman doesn't. They talked about economic threats against the woman when the man is challenged. This is MIA's concern. This is what we are against. Women cannot live in a constant oppressive environment where fear is at every corner. The women in Cajola must be educated, and financially literate. Their kids need a fair chance to flourish and escape the cycle of generational poverty. Simple.

While MIA takes great leaps in their efforts to voice the concerns of Cajola and women in Guatemala, it may or may not come as a surprise but these same issues resonate with me too. Remember, the male of the group?

July 2009 Delegation Starts with Claudia Samayoa

Friday, July 10, 2009, all the delegates for our SIXTH delegation to Guatemala arrived, some at 7:30 AM, some in the middle of the day, two traveled around Guatemala by themselves before meeting us in the Capital, and three arrived mid-afternoon from Texas. The Texans hardly got to breathe before we hustled everyone over to the office of UDEFGUA for a briefing of recent Guatemala history and an overview of the current situation. This report is from our delegate from Cal State University at Long Beach, Justine:

This afternoon delegates of MIA, Mujeres Iniciando en Las Americas, sister organization of the Guatemala Peace and Development Network (GPDN), met with human rights activist and defender, Claudia Samayoa, director of UDEFEGUA Guatemala (http://udefgua.blogspot.com)

Samayoa and UDEFEGUA protect human rights defenders in Central America, with a particular emphasis on Guatemala. The organization’s role is to defend human rights activists who face threats of attack and defamation as a result of challenging the government’s persistent violence and corruption that has continued to plague the country, as 2,300 out of the population of 13.5-15 million people have been killed since the beginning of 2009.

Samayoa gave the delegates an overview on impunity in Guatemala. Acknowledging countries such as the United States and Mexico in which corruption seems to infiltrate its way upward through the political system, she noted the opposite path taken in the Guatemalan system in which corruption begins at the top economic positions and works its way down through the different facets of society, as those in higher positions tend to manipulate systems into catering to their financial interests. As a result, justice for crimes is virtually impossible to obtain, as the civil (what we call the criminal system in the U.S.) system has an impunity rate of almost 100%, according to Samayoa.

Those who challenge these injustices live in a constant threat of violence. At particular risk are women, who have been pioneering the country’s nonviolent push for peace, democratization, and human rights initiatives. Attacking women activists, however, is a way to sustain the country’s corrupt system by placing women back into the home and out of work, universities, and positions through which to activate change in their country. As these women and other human rights defenders are a significant threat to organized crime, they become targets of violence. There have been a total of approximately 1,600 attacks against human rights activists, the majority of which have been initiated by some of the five different intelligence groups in Guatemala.

Addressing the situation of Guatemalan President Colom and alleged disputes with narcotics traffickers, in which attempts at investigation and a coup have been unsuccessful, Samayoa related similar situations in Guatemala to the recent coup of President Zelaya that has taken place in neighboring Honduras. While two countries’ presidents have been suspected of similar allegations, the coup in Honduras was successful due to the way in which the military made legal maneuvers to justify the coup and through elaborate and careful work with the media.

In regard to Guatemala’s progress toward justice and the tackling of impunity, Samayoa noted the commission recently established by the United Nations and the Government of Guatemala, the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), which was formed to investigate and prosecute these impunity systems. While attacks continue, however, Samayoa and UDEFEGUA are essential allies in protecting the human rights activists who challenge these corrupt systems and push for justice in Guatemala.

-oOo-

Now the beginning of the same trip FROM THE MALE PERSPECTIVE. Most of our delegates have been women, but realy, violence against women is more of a male issue than a women's one, so we really welcome male participation. Our third male delegate, Celso Baez, has joined in the blogging, so here's his report of the trip and the first day:

As I began to prepare for a ten-day delegation to Guatemala with MIA, Mujeres Iniciando en Las Americas , I knew mental preparation was key, for the week was jam-packed with meetings with government officials, families of victims, and visits to rural areas where we were sure to be culture shocked. The supposed X-factor in the Guatemala/ M.I.A. equation was being the only male participant in the delegation. To be completely honest, it was the least of my worries, as I embraced the M.I.A. /Guatemala experience as a mere citizen of humanity leaving behind my gender-vision goggles in the dust.not to say I had any to begin with.

Three of us flew in from Texas; two originally from Houston and one from Wisconsin. We were connecting in Nicaragua. I was excited to add another currency to my collection of Central/South American money. However, when we landed in Nicaragua we were immediately profiled and given the "special treatment". It was then, that I realized I was not an equal. We were told we needed our carry-on bags inspected and x-rayed, as if they hadn't been securely checked in the U.S. Once that was complete, the airport officials deliberated some more. They somehow decided their fraudulent inspection was enough and were nice enough to guide us to our next gate. We had an hour to kill and a cold beer sounded golden. I enjoyed the reggaeton and Spanish rock tunes playing on the music channel in the airport bar. As my eyes closed to take that first sip of a cold corona, a blasting Kelly Clarkson abruptly interrupted the lovely Spanish rock. Of course the Americans prefer Kelly Clarkson. It had been 3 hours since our departure from Houston and we were already struggling to distinguish ourselves as true Latin Americans.

We arrived mid-afternoon in Guatemala and rushed to the immigration booth, excited to have our passports stamped with the Guatemala seal. Chris and Lucia picked us up in what looked like a space van. We hustled to the hostel where we dumped our luggage and met the rest of the delegates. We then headed towards the office of UDEFEGUA to meet with human rights activist and director, Claudia Samayoa.

The UDEFEGUA, (Unidad de Defensores y Defensoras de Derechos of Guatemala) was established in 2004 to further the work and security of human rights defenders in Guatemala and Central America. The program helps at-risk human rights defenders and their organizations prevent and respond to security threats through education, monitoring and mental health support, and advocates for protection by government institutions and the international community.

Ms. Samayoa knew e-v-e-r-y-thing. What a powerful woman. For over two hours she thoroughly discussed the injustices that have plagued and continue to plague her beautiful country, Guatemala. Hearing her describe how corruption has infiltrated the government, military, economy and the healthcare system disturbed me beyond belief.
Things that made me cringe:

-2,000 human rights defenders have been killed in 2009 alone
- In 1996 the peace accords were signed
- Murdering of women as a political message
-Many victims are members of evangelical sectors
-Slave labor/Class make-up
-Literacy/Competency/drop-out rates
-Impunity structure consisting those who posses the supposed hand of Justice
-Military/Organized Crime

After the two-hour introduction to Guatemala, it seemed appropriate to ask what we Americans can do from home. I urge whomever is reading to support congressmen and women who make it an issue to put an emphasis on feminicide in Guatemala. Also, ensure that proposed changes are realized on the local level. Pressure diplomatic officials simply by drafting a letter of concern and have more people in your place of residence, school, work, and worship to submit a letter. I left the UDEFEGUA office encouraged yet a lingering feeling of disgust on behalf of the injustice in Guatemala kept me in perspective.
Day one finally came to a close as we debriefed and prepared for the long drive to Cajola.

Workshop with the PNC (National Police)

I got to spend a week training inside the PNC academy. My part of the training was one full day, and there were three days of training run by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS). What an experience!


Outside the Police Academy buildings

Last November, we asked our U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala, Steven McFarland, to help us get in the door to help train the National Police (PNC). As a result, MIA was invited to tag along with NCIS during already-planned training to deliver our program "Hombres contra Feminicidio" aka White Ribbon Campaign. We want to thank the ambassador for the opportunity to speak to a classroom full of 60 trainers, and we're very proud of how the training went.


Students working together on a workshop assignment

While MIA was in action, the director of police academy joined us in the middle of an activity and without knowing who she was, I used her for an example and she volunteered without introducing herself. She was a good sport and played the role I asked her to, and after the activity was complete, one of the trainers came to me to ask me if I knew who she was. I did not know and she explained that she was the director. I immediately acknowledged her and asked her to join me in the middle of our circle and asked her if she could stay longer to hear the trainers request, complaints and wishes. I was assertive with her, just like back in my Girls, Inc. days when I had to be assertive with the high school administrators during our training with their students.


Lucia leading the workshop

She was very open and thanks to our moves, she liked our work and invited me to give an inspirational talk on Women's International Day to 460 new policewomen who are about to graduate.


Students engaging in the workshop

I really wanted to have a male join me for the training, and luckily Carlos Ibanez, who has spoken to our delegations about human trafficing, recomended his buddy Eric who is a long time trainer for teenagers and Eric jumped on the opportunity. He is "between jobs" and our small honorarium meant a lot to him. I am hoping we can afford to have him do more training with us in the future.

I want to tell you more about the training.

My fellow trainers from NCIS came with a 3 day training of a translated domestic violence manual and walked the PNC through page by page for three days. The material seemed pretty basic. But while I was observing the first day, I figured out that NCIS had done their homework; they knew that we need to get our police men to understand their own biases on how to respond to a call for help. The first day was spent tapping into their biases and help the police women to be respected. What the NCIS trainers did not realize in advance is just how bad it is for the police women in Guatemala.


Lucia (left) and the Director of the Police Academy

One brave companera stood up and gave her own testimony on how hard it is to be a police woman. She and her coworker were sent to respond to a call and found a body hanging, she spotted from a distance and ran to the body, prompted her coworker and he responded to her; "you found him, you get him down." She had to pick up the body from hanging untie him and them put him down without dropping him and hurting him more. My fellow NCIS trainer's question was, "did you go to your supervisor?", a very common question we here in the U.S. would expect to do. The policewoman responded very assertively, "No". The trainer asked why, and the policewoman explained to her, that reporting a thing like that can only get her in trouble. The policewoman explained how hard they have to work to prove themselves all the time, and how it affects the concentration during their duty. Not only do they have to watch their back against the suspects when responding to calls, but also with their male coworkers.

They reported that they are not allowed to drive during a call. We women are seen as bad drivers and not aggressive enough to zig zag thru Guatemala's crowded streets. In one of our conversations during breaks, the NCIS women talked about our policewomen sisters in the U.S. going through the same kinds of things in the 1960s and 1970s. Probably, this is still happening still here at home but less visibly than in the early days, and much less visibly than in Guatemala.

Over and over, our NCIS trainer ended up giving the same lesson, if you reach a roadblock, you find a way to go over it, around it, or under it, but reach your goal. Guatemala women and men don't have the equipment to go around it, under it, or over it. Many times I felt the training was a teaser because they were given a training, but no assurance of a follow up to support the advice they were given.



On Friday, after four days of training, the students got our certificates, and we got a certificate of appreciation plus PNC souveniers.

By popular demand, we were asked to go back in the summer. We don't have exact dates, but thanks to all of you who donated to MIA for this trip, we definitely have a foot in the door with the PNC. For the next training, I did assertively ask Uncle Sam to please write me in the budget. I reminded them we are a small nonprofit and how hard it was to find funds for this past trip. Our contact person at the embassy seemed to have some ideas on how to get us funding help for the next trip, but that's not for sure. We'll have to see when the time comes whether Uncle Sam can fund our trip expenses, or if we will have to ask you all again for donations to help with trip costs.

I will be making a family visit to Guate soon for my favorite nephew's wedding and will stay a few days extra to help a trainer in the city with her training skills. Many of the trainers asked me if I was going back soon, offered to help a group of eager to learn more women and one man, who impressed me, asked his boss to allow him to attend this week long training during his vacation time. His boss asked him, why would you want to give up your vacation time for a week long training and he answered him, just because. He shared with me, he did not want to explain himself, because he knew machismo is so ingrained, it was no use to try to explain the importance of this training.

It is for people like the women and this man who came to me for more information, that I knew it was necessary for us to be part of this training last month. I am planning to deliver three full days of our Hombres Contra Feminicidio training to a small group in a PNC station in Zona 1.


Policewomen at attention


Addressing policewomen in training on International Women's Day




Lucia at the lecturn, with the Director of the Academy

I have a feeling we will be contacted to visit other stations and will have a chance to do more thorough work. What they want is more one to one attention, and this will help MIA understand better the ins and outs of the PNC. My hope is that we can find a grant for this leg work. I don't want to take money from our small pot for the three schools where we are delivering programs. Also, we need to find money to translate our manuals. The little we did translate was pure volunteer work from our star Daniel from our sister organization GPDN.

I am happy to communicate that MIA was part of the end-of-week debriefing and follow up with the trainers suggestions to the Director of Police with NCIS. During the debriefing I made the case that if we want to find out if what we did this week worked, we must follow up with the same group and hear them report to us in a couple of months. During this debriefing there were many talks of coming back, but I felt that we need to follow up or else we would only be putting one fire off and running to another and another. NCIS was very humbled by the 60 trainers and we could see their trainers got emotionally involved, and also suggested they want to go back to Guate. I reminded them of all our conversations with the trainer before and after training hours and how important it is to follow up with this group.

I am calling this our pilot program. I don't doubt we helped them, but really, we just scratched the surface. There is a much much more work to be done. I tried very hard to be assertive and talk about the impunity in my country with NCIS, but was told that that is not something they can help with.

Our goal is to continue going to the Police Academy and promoting the gender equality education until the Academy adopts gender equality education as part of its curriculum.