Ixcán, Quiché, Guatemala
ProinsaSocial Inclusion and Food Security Program
Partners:
Women Building Pathways Out of Extreme Poverty
In one of Guatemala’s most marginalized regions, PROINSA supports extremely poor women to strengthen their livelihoods, improve food security, and lead economic change in their households and communities.
Why Ixcán?
Ixcán, Quiché faces deep structural poverty and limited access to basic services. Families rely primarily on agriculture, yet unsafe water, malnutrition, and economic exclusion—especially for women—remain widespread.
Women in Ixcán encounter overlapping barriers to economic inclusion, including gender discrimination and stereotypes; violence; unpaid domestic and care work; limited access to public services; restricted political participation; and lasting impacts of internal armed conflict.
Key Facts
85.6% of the population lives in poverty
47.2% lives in extreme poverty
Minimal participation of women in decision-making
Goals
The PROINSA program set out to graduate 500 extremely poor women and their families out of poverty, while strengthening the capacity of the Municipality of Ixcán to implement and sustain inclusive anti-poverty programs for marginalized women.
Our Reach
active participants
savings groups
leadership positions held by women
productive activities monitored
RESULTS
Savings
80% of participants increased their savings by an average of 98%
Income
80% of participants increased their income by 30–40%
Livelihoods
70% of participants managed two or more income-generating activities
Decision-making
70% reported greater influence at home or in their communities
Food Security
85% reported improved food security
Progress Over Time
5%➝100%
was observed in the proportion of women who increased their savings
0%➝57%
was observed in the proportion of women who increased their income
55%➝75%
was observed in the proportion of women who felt their opinion was considered in household decisions
50%➝85%
was observed in the proportion of women who felt their households moved into food security
26%➝82%
was observed in the proportion of women who diversified their livelihood activities
Diversified Livelihoods
Today, many participants manage multiple activities, including:
Convenience Stores
Poultry Farming
Handicrafts
Prepared Food
Clothing & Shoe Shops
Produce Sales
Agriculture
Savings & Financial Stability
Savings groups strengthened financial resilience and trust:
- 95% of participants increased savings by an average of $170 (from $23)
- Average loan: $230 | 190 loans issued
- Loans supported both business investments and emergency needs
Income & Economic Empowerment
Before PROINSA, women’s income was often unrecognized and controlled by others. Through the program, women established independent productive activities.
- Average initial monthly income: $195.60
- Average current monthly income: $307.20
- 90% exceeded the project’s income growth target
Participant Spotlight
Carmelina
Carmelina is a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Aldea Santa Cruz. With PROINSA seed capital and savings group loans, she and her husband grew a clothing business that now supports their family’s food, education, and savings.
- Current capital: US$1,563
- Monthly sales: US$651
- Profit margin: 50%
Her goal is to open a permanent shop and small grocery store to continue building stability for her children.
Looking Ahead
PROINSA demonstrates that when extremely poor women have access to savings, capital, and support, they become drivers of economic resilience, food security, and community leadership.
