In Guatemala, the YCW has launched an action campaign aimed at providing and securing economic opportunities for a group of young women who are members of or in contact with the movement. Their lives are marked by a series of obstacles that prevent them from achieving a better quality of life. Faced with this reality, the collective organization and solidarity of the group, backed by civic and professional training, has become the driving force behind their empowerment.
Across the country, unemployment, informal or precarious work, and the lack of opportunities for entrepreneurship or education are part of daily life for many young people — especially young women. This economic exclusion affects many other dimensions of life, such as access to healthcare, housing, and social participation.
More than 60% of Guatemala’s population is under 30, which is a significant demographic asset. However, the youth unemployment rate (15–24 years old) is more than three times higher than that of adults. Furthermore, 71.1% of the labor force works in the informal economy. Nearly 41% of young people consider emigration to be the only solution to improve their lives, and 27% of those aged 18–29 have considered migrating in the past year, 15% of them with concrete plans.
In this context, young women were seeking collective and creative alternatives to change their reality. This reflection gave rise to a concrete initiative: the production and sale of sublimation products — such as mugs, t-shirts, keychains, caps and handbags.
Through this action, the YCW wants to help young women generate income to improve their living conditions, while strengthening their personal and professional skills through teamwork and solidarity.
This process also opens new professional opportunities, fostering both personal and collective growth.
The project embodies the values of a social and solidarity-based economy, centered on cooperation, collective responsibility, and social justice. It has a direct impact on the lives of young women and their communities.
In addition, the action plan includes a training and awareness-raising process aimed at developing the social consciousness and critical thinking of these young women. It encourages the creation of a support network among women (the Women’s Collective), promotes autonomous decision-making, and deepens their understanding of the SSE as a cooperative, collective, and socially conscious model.
The Guatemalan YCW operates through self-management: the young participants actively contribute to the financing and organization of the project, managing the training and production facilities, purchasing the materials, covering transportation costs, and ensuring the collective management of resources.
However, a number of challenges remain: the purchase of additional equipment, the funding of training, and the group mobility. Any support for this action is welcome and can be provided through the International YCW.
Motivation remains 100% strong. Every day, the movement continues its efforts and invites other young people to join in building a dignified and solidarity-based alternative for working youth in Guatemala.
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