The UN estimates that one third to one half of Nicaraguan women have suffered domestic violence in their lifetimes. New laws have been passed to protect women, but activists say that many prosecutors and judges don’t enforce the law, encouraging women to settle their claims outside of court. Even when laws are enforced, women need economic and social support to leave abusive households and provide for their children. That’s where our Nicaraguan partner organization Axayacatl steps up.

Thank you to everyone who came out to hear about the experiences of women in Nicaragua – our April 8th, 2017 dinner forum was the capstone event of a 10-day speaking tour for Maria Eugenia Delgadillo of the Axayacatl Women’s Association in Nicaragua.  From April 1st through the 10th Maria Eugenia spoke at churches, schools, offices and in private homes about the realities and hopes for women fleeing domestic violence in Nicaragua as well as the empowerment of women through economic self-sufficiency.  The response by the PeaceWorks community was overwhelming, raising $5000 to help Axayacatl build a new Center for Women.

Axayacatl’s Maria Eugenia with PeaceWorks President Denis Johnston. April 2017.