"The world needs more women who believe in their power and use it to shine."

 

Today, on International Women's Day, we reflect on our role in Guatemalan society, the importance of our contribution, and strategies to continue moving forward without fear.

 

Being a woman in Guatemala is synonymous with resilience. It means defying stereotypes, fighting against violence, and forging a path in a world that often wants us to be silent. But if we've proven anything, it's that we're not here to be subservient, but to lead.

 

Women in Guatemala are the heart of our families, a growing workforce, and voices driving change. However, we still face barriers that limit our development: wage inequality, limited access to education, and violence in its various forms. But our history is not defined by these difficulties, but by our ability to overcome them.

 

 

“Feminism isn’t about giving women power. Women already have power. It’s about challenging the way the world perceives that power.” — Beyoncé

 

Gender-based violence remains a crisis. Access to opportunities is still unequal. Many girls grow up believing that their voice doesn't matter, that their dreams must conform to what others expect of them.

 

But here we are, challenging the system, breaking down barriers, and building a different future. From the student who decides not to drop out of school to the woman who speaks out about the violence she has suffered, every act of courage counts.

 

“Empowering ourselves is not about confrontation, it’s about transformation.”

 

Empowerment isn't about fighting against men , but about creating a world where respect and equality are the norm. We want what is fair: rights, opportunities, and security.

 

Today I want to be positive; I propose four actions for the empowerment of Guatemalan women:

 

 

Get informed: Knowing your rights is the first step to asserting them. We cannot demand what we don't know we are entitled to.

Support other women: Stop seeing other women as competition and start seeing them as allies. One woman's success is not a threat to another, but an opportunity for collective growth. Let's support each other instead of competing.

Be a leader on your own path: Don't wait for anyone to give you permission to shine. If you have a dream, work for it, defend it, and make it a reality.

 Break the culture of silence : Violence should not be normalized. If you are a victim or know someone at risk, report it. There are institutions such as the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), the Human Rights Ombudsman's Office (PDH), and other organizations that can help.

 

 

THE FUTURE IS OURS

 

“They took so much from us that they ended up taking away our fear.” — Anonymous

 

We are not victims, we are the protagonists of our own story. And we are here to stay, to move forward, and to change the world, one woman at a time.

 

Today I celebrate every Guatemalan woman who, through her daily efforts, is transforming her own history. Because when a woman advances, all of society advances with her.

 

Happy International Women's Day!

 

— Annie Tello . Lawyer

 

I am Annie Tello , a woman, mother, wife, and lawyer. With 25 years of experience, my mission is clear: to empower, protect, and transform the lives of girls and women through knowledge and the defense of their rights.

BECAUSE WHEN A WOMAN KNOWS HER POWER, NO ONE CAN STOP HER.