Dear John,

As part of our ‘Guatemala in Focus’ appeal, we aim to shed light on the factors contributing to health inequalities within Indigenous Maya communities. Our new blog: The pervasive impact of machismo on women’s health in Guatemala delves into how macho cultural norms affect women's autonomy, health decision-making, and overall well-being.

Our team in Guatemala explains how the systematic oppression of women in rural communities violates the right to health, manifesting in several ways: control, nutrition, education, abuse, low self-esteem and eroding solidarity.

However, things are changing for the better. Perspectives and expectations of women are improving, influenced by public policy on education and the impacts of educating girls, as well as media reflections showing alternatives to current norms.

Read our blog to find out more about how Health Poverty Action is working with communities to tackle the effects of machismo through our maternal health work, especially in building solidarity within the pregnant women's groups with whom we work. This is the first step towards building a society where men and women have equal rights.

Warm regards,

Ella Ronan,

Communications Assistant