Impact Alliance: Political Violence Against Women

Alianza de Impacto: Violencia Política Contra las Mujeres

On October 14, 2025, at the UN Women headquarters in Guatemala, a roundtable discussion titled “Impact Alliance: Political Violence Against Women” was held, an event aimed at providing information and raising awareness about women’s political rights in the country. The event addressed the historical evolution of women's political participation, the framework of international conventions, and Guatemala's current situation compared to the rest of the region. In a context where women continue to face structural barriers and multiple forms of violence, this discussion served as a forum to reflect on the challenges that remain and the urgent need to promote policy and cultural changes.

During the event, key topics were discussed, such as political violence against women, international instruments to combat it, existing political declarations and commitments, as well as relevant statistical data illustrating the extent of inequality. The review also included international case studies and various Latin American laws, which provided insights into models of progress and best practices. The format of the discussion—open and interactive, featuring a speaker whose remarks could be enriched at any time by the audience—fostered a deep, dynamic, and thoughtful dialogue. Among the most striking findings was the recognition that Guatemala is the only country in the region without a specific law against political violence against women and without a law on gender parity, which sparked widespread concern about the need to more forcefully demand the rights to vote, to be elected, and to participate on equal terms.

This initiative reaffirms the importance of the work that Be Just promotes to strengthen the rule of law from a perspective of justice, equality, and non-discrimination. The insights that came out of the discussion highlight the urgency of transforming the structures that perpetuate women’s political exclusion and demonstrate that informed participation is key to moving toward a more just society. By promoting awareness of rights, critical analysis, and civic engagement, activities like this one directly contribute to building more representative institutions, combating political violence, and ensuring that all people can fully exercise their citizenship. Therefore, the event not only raises awareness but also strengthens Be Just’s mission to support processes that uphold the dignity of political participation and consolidate an inclusive and democratic rule of law.

More activities

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University students and recent graduates participated in an open discussion with Claudia González, lawyer and human rights defender, on the current challenges facing the rule of law, patterns of criminalization, and the key role of younger generations in defending justice.

On Saturday, August 29, Be Just held the fifth "Café con Be Just" gathering, a training and dialogue space designed for young people approaching their first electoral experience, aimed at giving them tools to understand the 2027 electoral process and participate in a conscious and informed way.

On July 28, the fourth "Be Just - Coffee Talks" was held, a forum for dialogue with Ana Elisa Samayoa and Marjorie von Ahn to discuss their experience in preparing and communicating the recently published constitutional reform proposal, as well as the importance of women’s participation in these types of processes and the next steps toward achieving greater inclusion in strengthening the justice system.

Coming soon

We are now accepting applications for the Be Just Internship Program — 2026–2027 Cohort, a training and civic advocacy program designed for six young people committed to justice, institutional transparency, and the strengthening of democracy in Guatemala. Apply from September 1 through September 16!

Este encuentro impulsó el intercambio de ideas y buenas prácticas para fortalecer las instituciones y apoyar los próximos procesos de elección de autoridades clave en el sistema de justicia.

At this gathering, members of indigenous communities, independent journalists, and civil society organizations—united by the experience of having closely observed the selection processes for judges of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the Constitutional Court, and the attorney general—shared what we experienced, what we learned, and what lies ahead.