Letter 86 - They Were At The Bottom of Society

Ginny Dye

Jan 31, 2025

Hello Bregdan Woman,

You have Ginny today…

These siblings fought their way up from the bottom…

It all began when the nine brothers and sisters huddled together.

“Ok, it’s decided then, right?”

“Right!”

“When one of us gets to the university, he or she will help the next one get there. Right?”

“Right!”

In many countries this idea wouldn’t have been as big a deal as it was for Antonieta and her eight sisters and brothers. Born into a rural Mayan-Kaqchiukel family in Guatemala, it was rare enough for males to get an education – unheard of for females!

Life is anything but easy for the indigenous people of Central America. In Guatemala more than 50% of the poor, rural, primarily indigenous population lacks even the most basic of services (including schools) and only 7% of their homes have access to telephones, radios, or other communication.

Indigenous women in particular live on the outside edge of society. They do not have the same opportunities as men to study, learn Spanish, leave their communities, and improve themselves; much less serve in public office. They are mistreated within their own communities by being forced into servitude to their husbands. In addition, because they often live in extreme poverty, women must concentrate on feeding their families with little or no thought to their own needs or rights.

But with the help and support of her family, Antonieta Castro Abaj pushed her way out of this marginalized existence.

Her parents encouraged all their children to study. And because of the pact the siblings made of helping each other get a college education, each one did attend university, and not one of them married before the age of 30. From extreme poverty to economic success, the Abaj family now has a veterinarian, doctor, teacher, pilot, and Antonieta - who is championing the cause of indigenous women in Guatemala and throughout Central America!

Antonieta knew all too well that the poorest of the poor didn’t have time to think about human rights – they were too busy just trying to stay alive. So how could she help these people, especially the women who were at the very bottom rung of society? She knew she couldn’t get them excited about their rights and possible escape from their dire situations with promises of freedom. It had to be something tangible, and it had to positively affect their husbands as well. What did they need the most? They needed money.

So Antonieta did what a Bregdan Woman would do. She came up with a plan - one that the women couldn’t resist…

She would offer women small, no-interest loans, and help them advance financially, IF they would attend one of her study groups. Antonieta went door-to-door recruiting women with the promise of financial help, if they would attend a special group she was offering just for them. It worked!

The study groups discuss pertinent issues ranging from local community issues, to national and even international politics. Through their discussions the women not only learn about their rights, but also develop interest in the politics of their local community and region.

And, as the women begin to bring in an additional income, their husbands and families encourage them to continue attending the study group.

Equipped with new knowledge and a new confidence, they are ready to get involved at the community level. Antonieta teaches them about the importance of having personal identification cards, and then helps them obtain them. With these cards, the women are then able to register to vote. She also encourages them to attend community meetings, and helps them contact the correct officials about their particular concerns. Finally, she encourages them to run for elected office.

While none of the first women who courageously sought political office were elected, they fostered hope, and set the precedence for others to follow.

Knowing she is only one woman who can do just so much, Antonieta trains the women who are members of the study groups how to recruit, start new groups, educate, and train even more women. Her simple approach is spreading throughout Guatemala and Central America.

Talk about a success story! Not only is Antonieta a public woman to be reckoned with; she is making a huge difference for marginalized people in her country, as well as throughout Central America. She is one who speaks with knowledge and authority, because she has already accomplished what she teaches others to do.

Wisdom comes from experience and is an integral part of success.

Remember Antonieta as you pursue your dreams!