Poverty
In the Department of San Marcos, 83% of women live in poverty, or extreme poverty.
This level of poverty is higher than men due to the unequal distribution of roles. A clear example is the level of malnutrition among women compared to men: “Our husbands and sons eat chicken. We and our daughters eat only the legs.”
Child Malnutrition
The increasing rate of chronic malnutrition in children under the age of 5 is particularly alarming in Guatemala.
In some regions of rural Guatemala, where most of the population is of Mayan origin, child malnutrition rates reach 80%. A diet based almost exclusively on corn tortillas causes damage and permanent effects on children, boys and girls alike.
Poverty in Guatemala wears the face of an indigenous, rural woman.
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