By Adriana Suarez
Friendship Bridge is a nonprofit that “creates opportunities that empower woman in Guatemala.” I can see the great impact they have made because they show very cultured information in their reports and include many photos and stories of the woman that they have helped. Their 2018 Annual Report shows the impact they have made throughout the Guatemalan community, which includes a client continuum that places women in three categories: leaders, entrepreneurs, or dreamers. They also assist in loan products, plus services, and holding program around artisan, agriculture, health, and family planning.
Women supported in these programs aren’t just single women, but single mothers who do not have access to the correct resources. Their stories not only speak on how the programs have helped them individually, but also how the program’s support impacted their families and communities. Many of the women are artisans, and contribute to the community with businesses or by selling hand-woven products. It’s important these women are educated about loans so they aren’t tricked into any unwanted dent later on.
I support the organization because they help Hispanic cultured woman in Guatemala who are in need. I feel it’s very important that women’s organizations in other countries exist. According to their website, “59 percent of the population in Guatemala live in poverty and over 60 percent of indigenous Guatemalan women are illiterate.” The Friendship Bridge organization works primarily in the rural areas where the rate of poverty is highest and work to create a change with the women they work with. Friendship Bridge is supported by many organizations and sponsors such as Power Trust, The Green Fund, and Women’s Worldwide Web. Many more are listed on their website.
If you’re interested, you can find a way to give back to those women of need in Guatemala by visiting their page!