“Ḱloj qya Aq́unal te ḱojlá” – Women Leaders of Cajolá & IDESAC
‍ ‍Cajolá, Guatemala | February 2024

I documented a project led by IDESAC – Institute of Community Development in collaboration with the women’s association “Ḱloj qya Aq́unal te ḱojlá” (Fighting Women of Cajolá). The initiative focused on constructing earthquake-resistant adobe homes for single-parent families headed by women, promoting both women’s empowerment and access to safe, dignified housing, a fundamental human right under Guatemalan law.

Through this photojournalistic work, I captured the entire construction process, from creating adobe blocks to assembling homes, highlighting the active participation and leadership of women who challenged gender norms and contributed to community development. The project combined technical expertise, solidarity, and sustainability, ensuring homes were built with local materials, safe construction methods, and environmentally conscious techniques.

This documentation reflects not only the housing crisis in rural Guatemala, particularly for marginalized indigenous communities, but also the resilience and agency of women as drivers of social change. My work aimed to visually narrate their stories, advocate for gender equality, and inspire community empowerment.