We tend to think that child marriage is only common in places like India and Yemen. Yet Mexico is one of the countries with the highest rate of child marriage in the world. Almost 300,000 of today's girls and boys have been forced into marriage, most of them sold, and to an older spouse.

There is much we can do to change it. Since 2015, Yo quiero Yo puedo works in the 66 communities of Metlatónoc, Guerrero, and since 2016 we have been working to end child marriage in this part of the country where over 40% of the girls are sold into marriage.

And changes are happening. In November 2019, two communities signed Acts to end the sale of girls and women. The first was La Juquila, where their Act is valid for 200 years and includes a heavy fine for anyone who breaks it. The second was in San Juan Puerto Montaña, and their Act additionally recognized the rights of girls and women. These Acts followed two that were signed in 2016 in Yuvinani and Valle de Durazno, also as a result of our work. Most importantly, these acts were developed by the communities themselves, after having participated in Yo quiero Yo puedo´s educational workshops. Each Act was approved by the respective community´s General Assembly with the necessary quorum and signed by the community leader.

The people of Metlatónoc have changed their way of thinking. We invite you to click here to read Catalina´s incredible story of what it means for her to not be sold into marriage.

We need your support to reach more communities. However, to reach 15 more communities, we need 600,000 dollars. With your donation, you will make sure that more than 700 girls don't reach the altar and can decide their own future.

Yo quiero Yo puedo is a Mexican non-profit dedicated to facilitating development in a framework of gender equality, so that people can become agents of change in their own lives, families and communities. With more than 30 years of experience, we have changed the lives of more than 20 million people. We are certified by Filantrofilia and CEMEFI in the highest classification of organizations in Mexico.

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