Pro Mujer Strengthens Access to Health Services for Guatemalan Women During International Women’s Month

Pro Mujer Strengthens Access to Health Services for Guatemalan Women During International Women's Month

In Guatemala, 35% of the country's population lacks access to basic healthcare and nutrition services (USAID). In 2019, of the total deaths recorded from diabetes, approximately 56.8% were women (PAHO), while in 2022, 56.3% of new cancer cases recorded in the country were detected in women (GLOBOCAN).

Although the World Economic Forum's report on the global gender gap places Guatemala among the first countries to have achieved full gender parity in health, Guatemalan women still face challenges in accessing decent healthcare services with a gender perspective.

In commemoration of International Women's Month, the social enterprise Pro Mujer joined forces with WTW, a leader in consulting, brokerage, and solutions, to carry out a free healthcare day. This event took place on March 11 in the town of Barcenas, within the municipality of Villa Nueva, and marked a significant effort to improve accessibility and quality of medical care for women and their families in the region.

During the event free medical consultation, eye and dental care services were provided to 135 people, of which 111 were women. Among the services, 66% were general medical consultations, 24% were for eye care, and 10% for dental care. In addition to identifying conditions such as skin diseases, respiratory issues, headaches, malnutrition, and cataracts, women received personalized counseling to ensure proper follow-up of their diagnoses.

Through these initiatives, Pro Mujer continues to play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and improving the quality of life for women in Guatemala. Since the opening of its first office in Guatemala City in 2022, and the opening of a new branch in Tecpán in 2023, the organization has strengthened its physical presence in the country. Throughout its first year of operations, Pro Mujer has reached over2,500people through its holistic model.

With the support of IDB Lab, in 2024 the organization plans to expand its reach through the creation of a network of health promoters who will focus on disease prevention at the community level. In addition, a Spanish chatbot will be launched with the aim of educating and providing information about chronic diseases that particularly affect women's health.

With initiatives like this, Pro Mujer stresses the importance of health as a fundamental right and an essential pillar for women to reach their full potential.

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