Voces de Cambio

Foundation Todos Juntos is the fiscal sponsor of Voces de Cambio (Voices of Change), a Xela-based project that fosters young women’s intellectual and creative growth, self-confidence, and ability to participate as active leaders in the development of a just and democratic society. Voces de Cambio focuses on the exploration of issues such as discrimination, gender equality, and civic engagement. Voces de Cambio is an effort to fundamentally change traditional ways of thinking that preclude women in Guatemala from contributing to the development of a just and democratic society. 

Please note that Voces de Cambio is not a project of La Asociación Pop Wuj.

Since 2006 Voces de Cambio has been offering fifteen-week writing and photography programs to indigenous and non-indigenous girls. The central question of this program is 'What does it mean to be a woman in Guatemala?' By providing a safe space, building self-esteem, teaching critical thinking skills, and fostering intellectual and creative growth, Voces de Cambio is addressing the need for a new generation of Guatemalan women to become their country’s future leaders.

Sandra, a Pop Wuj scholarship recipent, participates in Voces de Cambio.

Voces de Cambio implements all of its programming using a well-designed curriculum that is based on an open-inquiry and participatory approach to learning.

Activities of the first 15-week session include:

• An exploration of how women are portrayed in the media 
• Self-directed research and writing project on themes such as security of women in Guatemala, sexual harassment, participation of women in art, images of women in the media, profile of a woman in Guatemala, and youth movements 
• Photo-essay on “a woman I admire” 
• Production of a public service announcement related to gender equality 
• Exercises in interviewing techniques and story-writing 
• Basic photography techniques (camera use, composition, color); how to tell a story using images

Following the fifteen-week writing and photography program, a public exhibition of the participants’ written and photographic work is held at a local venue. The exhibition generates a public dialogue about issues of discrimination, racism, and machismo, thus broadening the program’s impact.

In addition to the writing and photography program, interested participants join the Young Women's Network, which supports the participants’ ongoing development as capable, confident young leaders; to foster relationships with other women’s efforts; and to build a small but growing cadre of young Guatemalans who are committed to social justice. The Network focuses primarily on projects that support local women’s organizations and initiatives. Previous projects have included supporting a local women's weaving cooperative, a photography workshop for indigenous women from rural communities, and a radio project on domestic violence.