Four Ways Survivors of Violence in Guatemala are Driving Changes
Violence Against Women & ChildrenMy Story Matters is a Guatemalan survivor group supported by IJM. It brings together survivors, volunteers, and professionals who are working together to drive social changes that end violence against women and children and improve the services they need to obtain justice and restoration. Here are four ways survivors are driving social change through advocacy and community efforts:
1. Building Survivor Networks
My Story Matters survivors have collaborated with IJM and Asociación Nuevos Horizontes (ANH)—IJM's community partner—to establish the first survivor group in Quetzaltenango.
They have shared their experiences and challenges with members of Ukú Xalí, the new survivor group in Quetzaltenango. This exchange has not only allowed My Story Matters members to learn from the struggles of their peers but has also motivated them to continue working toward ending violence.
Heydi Salazar, a My Story Matters survivor, shared, "It has been an inspiring experience! At the beginning, we noticed that the women participants were nervous. But when it was our turn to speak, and we told them we were survivors, they could relate to us, and it felt like they were in a safe place to express themselves."
Another survivor, Wendy Larios commented, "Being able to share with such courageous women who are fighting for their restoration and showing resilience is rewarding. It encourages us and helps us move forward in our mission."
This interaction has been pivotal in establishing Ukú Xalí's identity as a survivor group, leading to its official launch on February 26, 2025!
Ukú Xalí means Heart: Woman Strength in the Mam Mayan language. Currently, the group has 49 survivors of VAWC who are preparing to advocate for victims and survivors in their community during the coming year.
IJM team and My Story Matters members visiting Asociacion Nuevos Horizontes Headquarters.
2. Training Future Leaders
My Story Matters provides leadership, storytelling, and public speaking training to other survivors to empower them to lead initiatives that support women and children who have experienced violence.
On March 22, 2025, My Story Matters began conducting a training program on Public Narrative, a leadership approach that leverages personal stories to inspire societal change. This training is primarily geared toward survivors of violence, but it is open to anyone interested in supporting survivors of violence against women and children (VAWC).
The Public Narrative framework is crucial for advocacy and plays a significant role in survivors' healing and restoration journey.
Heydi from the Ukú Xalí survivor movement stated, "I am very grateful to be here and I feel so happy. Thanks to IJM for this opportunity to share who I am: a fighter and a woman capable of conquering fear. This Public Narrative course has been rewarding and has equipped me with new knowledge that I will share with other women in need."
Survivors participating in the first Public Narrative Workshop.
3. Improving Access to Justice
My Story Matters has collaborated with the National Civil Police (PNC) to make critical information available for victims and survivors of VAWC.
On March 8, members of My Story Matters met with representatives of the Deputy Directorate of Crime Prevention at the PNC to provide informational materials, including booklets and banners. These resources are designed to help women and children access services and obtain justice, since they can find the contact numbers of the justice institutions that can help them and also the step they must follow to reach out for help
Survivors explained the importance of making information available for victims and survivors and shared informational materials about accessing the justice system to the National Civil Police.
4. Gathering Community Insights
On November 25, 2024, as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, members of My Story Matters interacted with women on 6th Avenue in Guatemala City to gather their thoughts on how violence affects them and their children.
They interviewed predominantly working women to collect insights about their experiences and expectations from the public justice system. The information gathered was then organized and submitted as recommendations to the Presidential Secretary for Women, the authority responsible for public policy regarding women's protection.
These initiatives are just a few examples of the impactful work led by My Story Matters as part of its ongoing advocacy efforts. Each action taken contributes to creating a safer environment for women and children affected by violence.
My Story Matters survivors interacted with women to gather their thoughts on how violence affects them.
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IJM began working with My Story Matters survivors in 2017, starting with approximately ten participants. Over the years, the IJM team has provided emotional support, guided them in understanding the justice system, and offered training in advocacy, public speaking, storytelling, and leadership. This support has enabled them to establish valuable networks with civil society organizations and the public justice system. Today, My Story Matters has grown to include 42 members.