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Women in Mexican Leadership

Women in Mexican LeadershipMany countries have broken the glass ceiling with the election and faith of female leaders. Some of these known women include former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, Bolivian President, Lidia Gueiler Tejada, and American Vice President Kamala Harris. There are many women in leadership roles, trailblazing the path for more women, not only in privileged countries such as the USA, but in revolutionary ones like its neighbor, Mexico.

Mexico has witnessed many shifts in leadership in the 21st century that have caused many struggles for its residents. From drug lords to domestic abuse to bleak working conditions to a poor economy. The citizens of Mexico have known injustice and poverty.

First Female President

One woman has given herself the responsibility to seek that change for her people. New Mexican leader, President Sheinbaum. She can be attributed to a majority of the recent progress of women and girls in the country of Mexico.

Mexico’s governmental structure has not exactly catered to women, having placed them in weaker areas between the two quotas (horizontal and vertical), which translates to the ranking of the politician. In the vertical system, if the ​​alcalde (mayor) is a man, then a síndico (trustee) must be a woman to balance the powers. In the horizontal system, the added requirement is to have candidate genders be balanced alongside both parties of the state, which adds another layer to a more feminist government. Even as the stronger option for equality, the horizontal system still requires tweaking and improvement.

How Are Gender Biases Changing?

With 60% of the vote, President Sheinbaum became the leader to lead a new era for Mexico, to level the playing field for women. Even with a long way to go, she has taken this opportunity to ensure the safety of women and girls, to provide equal opportunities for women and to increase public security.

Her legislative efforts have empowered women to seek out more for themselves in all areas of their lives: professionally and in society, producing more women in Mexican leadership roles. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s recent legislative vision includes a Constitutional Amendment for Substantive Equality, constitutional reforms, the Ministry of Women and the most recent launch of the Pension Program for Older Women.

What Female Leadership Brings

U.N. Women data states, “In Mexico, 88.9% of legal frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality under the SDG indicator [Sustainable Development Goals], with a focus on violence against women, are in place” which is a good sign of progress, yet women still face sexual abuse and domestic violence at a high rate and carry the load of doing unpaid domestic work. With changing expectations, women can take charge of their assets, career and choice of marriage.

Having a background in climate science, President Sheinbaum holds a unique view on politics and has taken action on environmental affairs as the former President’s [López Obrador] environmental minister. Impacts she has made include driving electric transit, the use of renewable energy and the production of electric cars.

Feminist Policies in Motion

Leading up to Sheinbaum’s presidency, Mexico had a balanced gender representation with 50.2% of women making up the congress. Mexico is also one of the countries whose public and foreign policy centers around women’s rights. Sheinbaum’s new policies are with feminist-led having immediate effect on the increase of femicide (in 2024, nearly 800 reports, according to WOLA) and homicide persecutions (nearly 3,000 reports, according to WOLA), destroying rape culture (more than 21,000 reports, according to WOLA), dismantling harmful gender stereotypes like assuming men make better leaders by ways of the Constitutional Amendment for Substantive Equality and the Ministry of Women addressing how Mexico could act for equality to the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Committee.

Mexico’s leadership initiative of the National Care System has improved child support with the establishment of more daycares, providing a better chance for women to work alongside their male counterparts, decreasing the pay gap and increasing the value of women’s work, according to WOLA.

Luckily, the government has decriminalized abortion, yet the level of accessibility still remains an issue. With this concern in mind and many others, President Sheinbaum is challenged by producing budgets that will lend to more humanitarian resources. Further challenges are changing current policies to reflect a more feminist outlook including Mexico’s military and the percentage of women wrongfully incarcerated.

A Personal Reflection

On a first-hand account, Laura Lorena Robles Ruiz, beauty entrepreneur and State Commissioner of COESPRISSON reflects back on her experiences and visions for Mexico. In these roles, she has managed to open spaces for women, accompanying them, teaching them, and empowering them through her experience and training. Despite personal and economic challenges, she continues to contribute to society.

“Although Mexico still has a long way to go, it has taken firm steps towards equality. I am proud to see more and more women in Mexican leadership positions, bravely undertaking new ventures, earning their place with dignity, and demonstrating that their participation is not just a quota, but a strategic value derived from their capabilities. I am proud to have been an active part of this change, contributing from my public, business, and educational trenches,” she shared with The Borgen Project.

“Today, I continue to advocate for a Mexico where women live with freedom, security, and real opportunities—a Mexico where we can grow, shine, and enjoy life without asking for permission. I see my two daughters living this way, and I know that when a woman transforms herself, she also transforms her family, her community, and her country. President Sheinbaum has reshaped Mexican leadership to be more inclusive and humanitarian,” Laura Lorena Robles Ruiz added.

Women in Mexican Leadership: The Future

In daily life, Mexican women still face poor public policies that support single moms, domestic abuse cases, and rooted cultural biases. Programs like Mujeres con Bienestar have chosen the responsibility to reshape Mexican society. Pensions for older women give more control and recognition to women’s economics. Reform and constitutional changes have mended the gender wage gap (Article 123), recognizing the equality of women and men. Women in Mexican leadership are represented in the current cabinet far greater than it was before.

President Sheinbaum’s future presidency ensures a more positive attitude towards Mexico’s maturation as a country. Indeed, along with the first female president, Mexico has witnessed more female political participation, almost 40% representation in STEM, more entrepreneurship, greater representation of gender violence (#NiUnaMenos) and new cultural standards in media. In her leadership, the elevation of women will continue to be at the forefront of policy and Mexican culture.

– Melody Aminian

Melody is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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IKEA’s Impact on Poverty in Oaxaca

Poverty in OaxacaOaxaca, a state in Mexico’s southeastern region, stands out as one of the country’s most impoverished areas. Combined with waning social challenges, complex demographics and highly mountainous geographical positions, Oaxaca in 2025 trails Guerro by 0.1% for the second neediest state in the nation. Moreover, with a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of approximately $4,500, Oaxaca falls dramatically short of the national average, reaching only 44%. A staggering 66.4% of the population in Oaxaca lives below the national poverty line and 23.3% endure extreme poverty.

Compounding Oaxaca’s poverty are ineffective planning and investment systems. This, alongside the absence of a cohesive financial management operation, disadvantages the state’s ability to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations.

The Place of the Seed

Oaxaca is a vibrant region rich in cultural heritage, home to approximately 1.2 million Indigenous individuals. This state boasts the second-highest concentration of Indigenous residents in Mexico, reflecting a diverse tapestry of languages and traditions. In Oaxaca, people communicate in 23 distinct languages, each reflecting a unique identity and heritage, showcasing the region’s deep-rooted connection to its ancient past.

However, each year, a heartbreaking wave of Indigenous individuals departs from the hillside villages of Oaxaca, journeying to the United States (U.S.) in search of economic opportunities. Also, they aim to escape from a stifling political climate that obstructs progress in the region’s most impoverished rural areas.

This persistent lack of development compels natives to abandon their ancestral lands, leaving behind the homes and communities they cherish. In response to this pressing issue, IKEA has initiated initiatives to make a positive difference.

The IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Program

The IKEA Social Entrepreneurship program aims to foster positive social and economic change by partnering with social entrepreneurs and enterprises. Indeed, program initiatives involve supporting businesses that address social and environmental issues, providing jobs and offering unique products and services to IKEA customers. The program offers various forms of financial support, including grants, loans and investments, while focusing on scaling social businesses to drive economic reform and poverty reduction.

Supporting Economic Reform

IKEA Social Entrepreneurship has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to launch an innovative initiative called the Community Conservation program. This multifaceted approach aims to harmoniously blend environmental conservation, sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion of dignified livelihoods.

Through collaboration, IKEA aims to cultivate a more sustainable future while amplifying marginalized voices within the Zapotec community. Such efforts focus on the vibrant Oaxaca region of Mexico, supporting the initiatives of 13 dedicated social entrepreneurs, six women-led, deeply committed to fostering sustainability and community well-being.

Some of these social enterprises include Águilas en el Maguey, a cooperative of 10 Zapotec women dedicated to cultivating high-quality Mezcal agave; Alternativa Agrícola Suchixtepec, an organic farm specializing in the raising and sale of rabbits; and Emprendedoras de Tierra Blanca, a collective of Zapotec women producing organic vanilla and coffee.

Long-Term Impact

IKEA committed to a transformative three-year partnership to benefit 1,500 individuals in Mexico. The partnership prioritizes the Indigenous Zapotec community, who depend on the land for their livelihoods. By bolstering the 13 enterprises, Oaxaca can utilize sustainable practices to abolish poverty, including efficient production methods, optimized commercialization strategies, innovative product design and greater market access.

Additionally, the Community Conservation program will foster sustainable economic growth and actively empower women and youth by integrating them into governance and decision-making processes. Ultimately, this approach seeks to create a lasting financial impact on the community, promoting greater autonomy and resilience among its members.

Final Thoughts

IKEA’s community conservation enterprises (CCEs) actively deliver ongoing economic benefits while also advancing conservation efforts that help alleviate Oaxaca’s poverty. These enterprises create new job opportunities that invigorate the local economy by seamlessly blending sustainable ecosystem practices with agricultural initiatives.

Utilizing a holistic approach not only enhances the quality of life in Oaxaca but also significantly reduces poverty levels. Furthermore, this in turn curbs migration among the Oaxacan population. Similarly, through individual efforts, CCEs preserve the natural environment and extend support to impoverished communities.

In totality, the Community Conservation program will help protect Oaxaca’s rich natural heritage, empowering local communities with resilient economic opportunities that respect people and the planet.

– Marcus Villagomez

Marcus is based in Galveston, TX, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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IDIL: Mental Health Access for Indigenous People in Oaxaca

IDIL: Mental Health Access for Indigenous People in Oaxaca The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has designated 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) leads global efforts to support this initiative. In Mexico, the project La Enfermedad de la que Nadie Habla en el Pueblo (ENHP) aims to expand access to mental health information and services. It does so by providing resources in Indigenous languages and incorporating Indigenous perspectives.

The International Decade of Indigenous Languages

The UNGA established the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) to fulfill the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Throughout this decade, initiatives focus on preserving, revitalizing and promoting Indigenous languages worldwide. The Australian Government reports that many of these languages have reached a critical level of endangerment.

UNESCO estimates that approximately 40% of languages spoken will no longer be in use a century from now. Indeed, many are likely to be Indigenous languages. During International Decades, global facilitators coordinate action and mobilizations to raise awareness on a particular topic. La Enfermedad de la que Nadie Habla en el Pueblo is one example of coordinated action for IDIL. 

“La Enfermedad de la que Nadie Habla en el Pueblo”

Indigenous youths developed the project La Enfermedad de la que Nadie Habla en el Pueblo (ENHP), which translates to The illness nobody talks about in the village, to make mental health information accessible in Indigenous languages. ENHP successfully provided information in 30 Indigenous languages, addressing a critical gap in health communication. In a UNESCO article, the director of the Network of Interpreters and Intercultural Promoters, Eduardo Ezequiel Martínez Gutiérrez, stated that at least 30% of Oaxaca’s population is not fluent in their doctor’s or government’s language, a key issue ENHP aims to solve. The project also trains interpreters to act as intermediaries in mental health spaces.

According to Socialab, 65% of Indigenous people in Oaxaca, who speak up to 177 linguistic variants, cannot engage with content in Spanish. In response, the ENHP produced short videos with interpreters from various Indigenous communities. These videos discuss the symptoms of anxiety and depression and offer coping strategies. The project’s translation and interpretation efforts exemplify the goals of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages by improving access to mental health care for Indigenous peoples in a culturally relevant context.

Implementation of ENHP

The UNESCO program Impulso Joven, “Because Youth Matter,” awarded $10,000 in startup capital to 20 youth projects across 11 Caribbean and Latin American countries, including ENHP. Impulso Joven also provided practical workshops, training sessions and mentorship. The ENHP project unfolded in four stages. Initially, each interpreter completed a course on emotional disorders and mental health. In the second stage, interpreters adapted the course content to be culturally and linguistically relevant for Indigenous territories. Following this, the third stage involved the creation of audio and video materials. Finally, in the fourth stage, the team distributed these materials to Indigenous communities to help reduce the stigma around mental health.

Importance of Reconceptualization

ENHP’s efforts to reinterpret mental health information plays a crucial role in making mental health resources accessible to more Indigenous Peoples. This approach aligns with the goals of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The goals focus on actions supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has studied the barriers Indigenous Peoples in the United States (U.S.), Canada, the Pacific Islands and Australia face in accessing mental health services. These barriers include mistrust of mainstream services, social stigma associated with seeking help, insufficient awareness to recognize signs of poor mental health and the challenges of accessing mental health services in remote areas.

APA emphasizes that barriers to accessing mental health services for Indigenous populations should be viewed within the broader context of systemic, structural and societal challenges. Sandra García Reyes, an educator with ENHP, told UNESCO that mental health and self-care are integral to community care. ENHP has reinterpreted mental health information from a Western perspective to a holistic and relational approach. Furthermore, they take into account the intergenerational impacts of forced assimilation, relocation and discrimination.

Impacts of the IDIL

IDIL provides a framework for collaboration among diverse stakeholders, promoting coherence, continuity and cross-cultural dialogue in actions taken worldwide. IDIL is a global call to develop policies and make strategic investments to protect and revitalize Indigenous languages and support their speakers. According to UNESCO, IDIL involves 4,213 communities from 60 countries and 1,772 organizations. Across these communities, 202 languages are spoken and 2,635 events have been organized to recognize IDIL. Projects like La Enfermedad de la que Nadie Habla en el Pueblo exemplify how youth-led initiatives can enhance the lives of Indigenous communities by incorporating intersectional, community and cultural perspectives while safeguarding their languages.

– Tanisha Groeneveld

Tanisha is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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LIF: UK-Mexico Relations and Medical Innovation

LIFMexico’s economy is on the rise after a 3.2% growth in 2023 and boasts the second-largest economy in Latin America. The shock of COVID-19 failed to stunt the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty since rates continued to fall from 43.9% in 2020 to 36.3% in 2022. Although Mexico is exceeding in development, clear income divides remain between rural and urban areas, which is evident in its health care system. The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF), a U.K. program, worked with Mexican innovators to help provide solutions to health care disparities.

What Is the LIF program?

The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) began the LIF program more than 10 years ago to promote global entrepreneurship through the use of technological innovation. Alongside Mexico, the program has partners in 16 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, and Romania. The LIF was launched thanks to funding from the Newton Fund, which is part of the U.K.’s official development assistance and fosters international science and innovation partnerships.

Health Care in Mexico

The Mexican health care system operates on a combination of public, private, and employer-funded schemes. Prior to the introduction of Seguro Popular in 2004, a government program that ensured universal access to health care, three-quarters of the population could not access health care through the Ministry of Health. However, high poverty rates in rural areas of Mexico often leave these populations without adequate access to health care. Services are typically concentrated in the country’s largest cities.

In fact, 88% of dentists in Mexico are located in urban centers. Despite multiple reforms, health care infrastructure in rural municipalities remains insufficient, forcing locals to rely on out-of-pocket expenses. These areas also represent two-thirds of Mexico’s extremely poor. The removal of Seguro Popular in 2020 further increased out-of-pocket health care costs, which indicates the need for further health care security and reform to aid the most inadequate.

The LIF Program in Mexico

In February 2024, LIF joined efforts with technological innovators in Mexico to help the Xicotepec, one of the municipalities that make up the Puebla state. The program funded the use of these medical inventions and services in the communities of Xicotepec. The team operating there organized a Community Health Services (CHS) Week, where 265 people received medical care.

The program covered a variety of training and medical care. Indeed, 90 mothers attended breast cancer screenings, 40 doctors were trained in wound healing, and more than 200 people were trained in disease prevention. The program was well received by its beneficiaries: “The service was very good and necessary. The truth is that we don’t go to the doctor often because we can’t afford it.”

Final Note

Positive partnerships like the LIF program enable medical innovation and treatment to reach the communities that need it most. They can help resolve the negative effects of recent changes in Mexico’s health care system. The capacity of the RAEng to reach remote communities like Xicotepec shows how far-reaching international collaboration is.

– Sofia Brooke

Sofia is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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New President Prepares to Combat Poverty in Mexico

Combat Poverty in MexicoOn Sunday, June 2, 2024, Claudia Shinebaum was elected Mexico’s new president. This marks a historical moment as she is the first female president of Mexico. The former mayor of Mexico City was the chosen successor of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). During AMLO’s term as president, he is credited with lifting more than 5 million Mexican citizens out of poverty. Promises of expanding social services and education reform and her work as Mexico City’s mayor leave many in the poverty-stricken nation hopeful that she will help to further combat poverty in Mexico.

Pending Pension Promises

Many of the initial items Shinebaum plans to address are continuations of projects AMLO has laid out. One of the biggest overhauls is the changes to Mexico’s pension program that started in 2020. A whole sweet of changes have been proposed and are in the process of implementation to make a pension available to more people and expand just how much goes into the fund.

The American Bar Association lays out the points of change, such as a decrease in the number of weekly contributions needed from 1,250 to 1,000 and an increase in the employers’ contribution by 8% with an increase in the government contribution. Additionally, these changes were laid out as gradual changes to be implemented by 2031; thus, it is expected that Shinebaum will oversee a majority of these rollouts during her term.

Investing in Education

Education reform has been an enduring issue in Mexico, with multiple proposed solutions with varying levels of efficacy. ALMO began his term by scraping his predecessors’ reforms, making way for his programs. He opened publicly funded universities to make higher education accessible to low-income students. Furthermore, this came alongside cuts to funding for higher education stemming from the policies of his predecessor.

He also lowered standardized testing requirements in an attempt to increase graduation rates. Reactions to these reforms have been mixed. Indeed, critics say that a strong focus on higher education has meant less focus on primary and secondary education. The Benito Juarez Welfare Scholarship seeks to provide aid to the families of students 15 and younger. The International Monetary Fund credits it as an important step toward addressing the plight of the 43.5% of Mexican citizens living in poverty. With this, citizens can expect Mexico’s new president to continue and expand on these social services throughout her term.

Final Note

According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. has contributed $495 million to developmental projects in Mexico. However, this is just 0.03% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Given the close cultural, economic and geographic ties between the two nations, the U.S. may see it in its advantage to do more to help combat poverty in Mexico.

– Thane Zerbe

Thane is based in Wichita, KS, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Good Neighbors Tackles Global Poverty

Good Neighbors Tackles Global Poverty Good Neighbors, a global nonprofit organization established in South Korea in 1991, works to enhance the lives of marginalized and vulnerable children. It operates in more than 200 communities across 50 countries, including North Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Ghana and Chile.

Good Neighbors Korea

Good Neighbors actively supports the well-being of young adults. The organization provides 31,550 girls with feminine products, educational materials about the menstrual cycle and personal development. Additionally, it offers mentoring and therapy sessions to teach young adults how to express their emotions healthily. Between 2017 and 2023, Good Neighbors helped a total of 77,774 girls, supplying them with essential food and appliances.

In Busan, Good Neighbors has partnered with the City of Busan and other nonprofit organizations to offer a “self-reliance kit”. These kits assist young adults as they transition out of orphanage programs. These kits include bedding, cooking sets, heaters and more to facilitate a smoother move to independence. The project also provides career mentoring, driver’s license assistance and financial aid for post-secondary education. Overall, Good Neighbors has significantly improved the nutrition, education, housing and self-reliance of young adults.

Gugah Nurani Indonesia

In 2023, Gugah Nurani Indonesia (Good Neighbors Indonesia) and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) collaborated with the Golo Pua Village Government to enhance agricultural productivity and product availability through horticultural farming. The project implemented a drip irrigation system to increase water efficiency and boost chili production. This advancement has led to higher-quality crops, enabling farmers to earn more income. Additionally, it has provided consumers with greater access to agricultural products. Overall, this initiative fosters environmental sustainability and improves the socio-economic well-being of the village community.

From March 20 to 22, 2024, Gugah Nurani Indonesia and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) hosted a training session on seed breeding and pest management for Farmer Groups and Women Farmer Groups in Golo Pua Village. This training aimed to enhance seed quality and educate participants about effective pest management, improving productivity and environmental sustainability. With Gugah Nurani Indonesia’s support, the village is poised to withstand pest attacks and advance toward more productive and sustainable agriculture.

Philippines

Typhoon Rolly in 2020 severely limited water supplies from natural resources and disrupted water supply chains, primarily because residents relied on untreated water from deep wells and hand pumps. The challenging terrain requires residents to climb mountains and cross rivers just to fetch a gallon of water and adverse conditions further restrict access to these sources.

Good Neighbors International Philippines launched the “Securing Access to Flourish Empowerment for Water” (SAFE) Project. This initiative led to the construction of a water tank and reservoir, ensuring water delivery to every household and public school in the area. Additionally, the Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) was established, involving health care workers and community leaders from nine villages. As a result, the SAFE Project has benefited a total of 4,475 community members, significantly improving their daily lives, safety, health and overall well-being by securing access to one of life’s most important necessities: clean water.

Good Neighbors México

Xocoapa is struggling with poverty, economic adversity and a lack of health services, challenges that intensified following Hurricane Otis. In 2024, Good Neighbors Mexico responded by delivering food pantries stocked with basic foods, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies to families in the community of Xocoapa, located in the municipality of Tlaocoapa, Guerrero. By supporting rural communities, Good Neighbors plays a crucial role in combating poverty and enhancing quality of life through sustainable development in the region.

Bangladesh

Since 2018, Good Neighbors Bangladesh has been implementing the ‘Building Resilience to Achieve Zero Hunger (BRAZH)’ project, funded by the U.N. World Food Program, in the Kurigra district. The project focuses on three main activities: Forecast Actions, Seasonal Livelihood Programming and Climate Risk Insurance. It has enhanced the capabilities of Seasonal Livelihood Programming beneficiaries by providing Entrepreneurship Development Training and practical training in various Income Generation Activities at the field level. A key goal of the training is to boost women’s participation in income-generating activities, fostering self-dependence and economic stability. So far, 2,852 people have participated, with increasing numbers receiving training. Through these ongoing efforts, Good Neighbors aims to reduce hunger and promote lasting self-reliance.

Looking Ahead

Good Neighbors’ initiatives across various countries demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities. From enhancing agricultural productivity in Indonesia to securing clean water access in the Philippines and addressing food insecurity in Mexico and Bangladesh, the organization continues to make significant strides. These ongoing efforts highlight the importance of sustainable development and empowerment in fostering resilience and self-reliance among affected populations.

– Sein Kim

Sein is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hotel Con Corazón Has Heart for Latin America

Hotel Con CorazónHotel con Corazón opened its doors in 2008 after founders Onno Oostveen and Marcel Zuidhof agreed they wanted to impact the world. The pair decided to start their journey in Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in Latin America.

Hotel Con Corazón’s Heartfelt Journey to Nicaragua

Oostveen and Zuidhof traveled to Nicaragua during a holiday in 2006. While there, they noted the lively potential for tourism and the lack of funding for education. By 2008, the pair had moved to Nicaragua and decided to support the local community by opening Hotel con Corazón. The pair now employs a fantastic team that supports the hotel and even employs teachers for schools.

Empowering Youths in Nicaragua, One Stay at a Time

Hotel con Corazón mission is to provide accessible education for children in need within Latin America. The World Bank has reported that 70% of 10-year-olds in Nicaragua cannot read or understand basic texts. The lack of education for children may result in a lack of earnings in the future. More than 60% of children in Nicaragua are living in educational poverty. Hotel con Corazón aims to give back the chance of a bright future for the youths of Nicaragua. It hopes that youths can stop the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families by doing this.

Since its first hotel opened to the public in Granada, Nicaragua, the hotel company has assisted 250 children annually through primary and higher levels of education. In 2024, the hotel group will have supported an estimated 4,000 children in completing their education. Hotel con Corazón invests 100% of its profits into local education. The hotel is aesthetically designed and boasts a swimming pool and a bar where guests can buy drinks and food. It also has two patios where visitors can relax and enjoy breakfast or lunch. Additionally, it provides free Wi-Fi and entertainment for guests.

Guest profits provide the hotel with funding to support extracurricular activities for youth and parental workshops. In addition to helping youth through education, Hotel con Corazón offers development and income opportunities to several Nicaraguans each year. It further supports the local economy by buying produce from the community and running a commercial business. The hotel group can support 22 employees in its Nicaraguan hotel, where it also offers development programs so that employees have access to further education for themselves or their children. The hotel has made several positive impacts on Nicaragua, supporting the country through poverty in as many ways as it can.

Outreach to Oaxaca

In 2018, the hotel group decided to expand its social impact. Therefore, it opened the first Hotel con Corazón in one of the poorest cities in Mexico. According to the World Bank, 26% of Mexican children are not enrolled in pre-primary education and only 57% of 10-year-olds can read. Oaxaca is rated the second lowest city in Mexico for its education levels. Hotel con Corazón’s Oaxaca branch continues a similar vision as it does in Nicaragua.

The company invests all profits from guest stays and purchases made in bars and its hotel shop into education at all levels in Oaxaca. The hotel supports the Oaxaca Learning Center, which runs a motivational program for 60-70 youths and funds educational costs for those who most need it. Hotel con Corazón is also partnered with Mundo de Talentos, a nonprofit organization that provides children with free occupational guidance. Mundo de Talentos originated in Chiapas, Mexico. In 2023, Hotel con Corazón funded the nonprofit to expand its reach to Oaxaca. This funding enabled the nonprofit to begin its annual program in Oaxaca with 40 students enrolled.

Additionally, Hotel con Corazón has created a learning space within Oaxaca, where young people can learn trading skills that they can use in hospitality work. It offers apprenticeships to unemployed youths who are also not in education and aims to help them find work they can enjoy. For the youths already in education, Hotel con Corazón offers apprenticeships where young people have the potential to train in its Oaxacan hotel.

The Final Resort

Hotel con Corazón has made impressive impacts in changing the lives of youths through education and supporting the countries it operates in through poverty. The hotel group’s latest mission is spreading love in Latin America. It plans to open 10 more hotels in the next 10 years. The aim is to regenerate its educational and motivational schemes for the poorest parts of Latin America that need the most help. It has already begun building three branches in Costa Rica and Mexico. By 2025, its newest branch will open for guests in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

– Raquel Smith

Raquel is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Hotel Con Corazón

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Combating the Drug Cartel Recruitment of Mexican Youth

Drug cartel recruitmentIn Mexico, drug trafficking endangers civilians of all ages through increasing crime and violence. Rampant cartel activity particularly impacts children. For example, due to increased cartel-related violence, schools are no longer safe spaces for young students to receive an education. In a 2012 national survey, 38.8% of the population chose school as one of the public spaces where they feel unsafe. Children are additionally at risk of drug cartel recruitment. This is because cartels seek unlikely suspects and easily dispensable members. If prosecuted, minors also are not charged as adults.

Targeting Impoverished Children

According to the Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico, organized crime groups recruited about 350,000 young people around the country, with around 400,000 finding themselves vulnerable to drug cartel recruitment. Cartels especially target impoverished children who live in tumultuous households, swaying them to join with the promise of economic gain and even a “sense of belonging.”

Reinserta is a non-profit organization in Mexico working to protect children from this growing issue. Founded in 2013, Reinserta offers education, job training and placement and mental health support for children facing crime and violence in Mexico in general. The organization supports youth in proximity to organized crime and drug cartel recruitment with research and reintegration efforts.

Research

Since its founding, the organization has conducted six research studies and reports on violence impacting adolescents in general. It has also conducted surveys to see the impacts of drug cartel recruitment of youth more specifically. The investigation explores the prevalence and gravity of cartels recruiting young members.

It has also hosted 89 interviews with minors in juvenile detention centers and found that 67 were part of cartel activity before their arrest. All the organization’s research and data from the organization is calling attention to a problem that continues to target children who are as young as 10. Reinserta recognizes that progress begins with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the issue at hand.

Reintegration

For youth who have already been involved in organized crime, Reinserta offers models of reintegration and rehabilitation. It works across 14 detention centers for youth, offering education and job training and placement services. Through its work, the organization saw that eight out of 10 participating youth continued studying or found a job after Reinserta’s programs. Some of the most common jobs the young people have found are in “gastronomy, styling, barbering, sewing, serigraphy, paramedics, radio and muralism.” In total, the non-profit has impacted over 1,300 adolescents who have been in prison, with a non-recurrent rate of more than 90%, according to its website.

As drug cartel recruitment in Mexico has increased in the past years, the work of Reinserta is becoming more critical than ever. Through its important research and reintegration initiatives, Reinserta operates as one of the Mexican non-profits making the most change for adolescents affected by violence today.

– Estelle Lee
Photo: Unsplash

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Exploring Social Solidarity Economy

Social Solidarity EconomyFor more than 25 years, the global economy has grown significantly. However, it has also faced challenges such as environmental degradation and wealth inequality. The top 10% of the world’s population holds more than half of global incomes, while the bottom half earns only 8%. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need for alternative economic models prioritizing sustainability and fair resource distribution.

One such alternative is the social solidarity economy (SSE), which focuses on cooperation, democratic decision-making and community welfare over profit maximization. SSE is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only economic concerns but also social and environmental issues, recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors.

These initiatives blend economic and social aspects rooted in sociocultural foundations and a rationale that intertwines productivity, participation, efficiency and welfare. SSE extends beyond economic realms to serve societal needs like health care, education and environmental protection, providing a holistic solution. Achieving these goals necessitates substantial efforts, particularly strong member commitment to democratic principles and cooperative work.

Social Solidarity Economy in Action

A compelling case study of SSE in action is found within the indigenous community of Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro, a village in Mexico. Through collaboration with governmental entities and a commitment to inclusive governance, this community has transformed a small sawmill operation into a diverse ecosystem of cooperative enterprises. By reinvesting profits into new projects to create job opportunities, Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro has seen significant growth, boasting more than a thousand jobs annually, with 800 permanent positions through its 11 community enterprises, including sawmills, furniture factories and tourism ventures.

The community’s organizational structure notably reflects its commitment to SSE principles, democratic decision-making and community engagement. At its core is the General Assembly of Community Members, which serves as the highest authority for decision-making, with approximately 1,254 individuals participating. Additionally, the Board of Directors, comprising the ejidal commissioner and the supervisory council, oversees governance matters. The Community Council serves as a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge, drawing from the extensive participation of members with decades-long involvement. Each company within the community operates under its own management, contributing to the collective prosperity of Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro.

Globalizing Localized Solutions

The International Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) facilitates the dissemination of SSE principles globally. RIPESS fosters collaboration among SSE practitioners worldwide through organizing meetings and knowledge-sharing platforms. By connecting local initiatives like Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro with regional, national and international entities, RIPESS enables the exchange of ideas and best practices, driving innovation and collective action towards more inclusive and sustainable economic systems.

Looking Ahead

RIPESS has achieved significant international success and recognition by collaborating with different branches of the United Nations, such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the U.N. Inter-agency Task Force on Social Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE).

However, the real challenge lies in expanding localized SSE models and incorporating them into conventional economic frameworks. Through fostering partnerships between governments, civil society organizations and the private sector, SSE presents a promising path towards a more equitable and environmentally sustainable future. In this future, prosperity is measured by the well-being of people and the planet, not just economic indicators.

– Spencer Springob
Photo: Flickr

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Prospera: Mexico’s Successful Conditional Cash Transfer Program

Prospera: Mexico's Successful Conditional Cash Transfer Program Prospera, which was formerly known as Oportunidades and Progresa, was the world’s first national conditional cash transfer program, originally launched in Mexico in 1997. The program, which ran between 1997 and 2019 and involved multiple rebrands, focused on incentivizing and improving access to education, nutrition and health for poor families.

Conditional cash transfer programs are government welfare programs that provide residents in poor communities with funds as long as they meet the conditions of the program. Common requirements for programs like Prospera typically include mandating school enrollment for children and ensuring regular health check-ups.

After the 1995 Mexican peso crisis drastically devalued the peso, Mexico launched the Prospera program to combat poverty and inequality. Targeting particularly impoverished areas, Prospera proved notably effective in Mexico’s poorest regions, such as Chiapas, where a poverty rate of 74.7% prevails. In La Gloria, Chiapas, about 93% of families benefited from the program’s stipends. Hence, Prospera aimed to alleviate poverty in both urban and rural areas across the country.

Poverty and Education

Prospera targeted poverty reduction by emphasizing school enrollment. In Mexico, where families often depend on extra income, children are pushed to work, undermining their education. This issue is more acute in the South, where children frequently leave school to work in agriculture, exacerbating educational neglect and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Under Prospera, families would receive grants every month for each child attending school. As children progressed in school, the grant amount would increase. For girls, the grant amount would range from 105 pesos or $9.50 in third grade to 660 pesos or $60 by high school. The stipend for girls was higher than the stipend for boys because on average, girls were more likely to leave school at a younger age.

Additionally, children participating in Prospera from their earliest days show a higher likelihood of pursuing higher education. A study found children enrolled within their first 1,000 days were 67% more likely to attend college compared to those enrolled after 6th grade. Prospera’s emphasis on continuous school attendance played a crucial role in its success. Education plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction according to Childfund, who claim education is the “catalyst needed to pull families and communities out of the cycle of poverty.”

Health and Nutrition

Prospera provided families with health-related monetary transfers to ensure regular health checks for both parents and children. These funds, aimed at improving food consumption and nutritional health, came with no spending restrictions. The program tailored its conditions to meet specific demographic needs, such as organizing health and nutrition sessions for mothers and high school students. Notably, Prospera contributed to a 17% decrease in infant mortality rates in Mexico, highlighting its critical role in addressing health-related poverty and malnutrition issues.

Effects of Prospera

Mexico’s conditional cash transfer program, though scaled back in 2019 to focus on education, continues to significantly influence global poverty reduction strategies. Its model has inspired dozens of countries worldwide to implement similar programs, benefiting impoverished communities. While debates exist over Prospera’s long-term poverty impact, its achievements in reaching millions in Mexico’s needy urban and rural areas, enhancing educational outcomes and reducing child health issues stand out.

– Marley Wilson
Photo: Unsplash