Faces of Open Government: Diana Nicte Sagastume Paiz

In honor of International Women’s Day, Diana Sagastume, Deputy Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat for Women of Guatemala, speaks on the country’s ongoing efforts to address gender-based violenceReforms that combat gender-based violence are essential for fostering an inclusive society and government that respects human rights and promotes gender equality. Technical specifications: Commitments... More, with a focus on sexual violence and teenage pregnancies.

To further Guatemala’s efforts in achieving genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More equality, a key commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... through the Open Government Challenge is the strengthening of support systems for women and survivors of violence.

What is the current situation of gender-based violence in Guatemala, and what actions is the Presidential Secretariat for Women taking to address it?

Guatemala faces a serious problem of gender-based violence with high rates of sexual violence and teenage pregnancies, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The Presidential Secretariat for Women is the highest-level mechanism for promoting women’s rights, focusing on coordinating and advising public policies. We work to strengthen institutional responses and ensure compliance with international standards in both direct support for women and policy development. Additionally, we have pushed for gender-based violence to be recognized as a national security threat—an unprecedented step that enables better coordination across government branches to improve protection and support for women.

What commitment did Guatemala make under the Open Government Challenge to combat gender-based violence?

Through the Open Government Challenge, Guatemala committed to strengthening prevention and response mechanisms for gender-based violence through three key actions:

1. Strengthen government agencies at both the national and local levels.
2. Collaborate with civil society to manage comprehensive support centers for survivors. 
3. Increase funding for institutions responsible for advancing the rights of both Indigenous and mestiza women. 

Our  commitment was fulfilled in June 2024. Once there is approval of additional funding, we expect to build on these efforts over the next three years.

What impact will this commitment have on protecting and preventing gender-based violence?

One of the most significant advances has been increased funding for key institutions. The Indigenous Women’s Ombudsman’s Office received an additional 10 million quetzals, while the Presidential Secretariat for Women secured over 19 million quetzals. These resources will expand our presence in local communities, ensuring better support for local governments through the implementation of a prevention plan that targets early marriages and teenage pregnancies in 35 high-risk municipalities. Additionally, funding for comprehensive support centers for survivors increased from 26 million to 52 million quetzals, which will enhance services in both rural areas and high-risk zones where femicide rates are particularly high.

How will affected women benefit directly?

Survivors of violence will receive comprehensive support from the moment they file a complaint, whether through hospitals, the judicial system, or municipal offices. A protection system will be activated to help them regain emotional and economic stability through a structured three-year recovery program. Our goal is not just immediate assistance but long-term reintegration, ensuring that women can reclaim their rights and rebuild their lives.

Why is the Open Government approach essential to addressing gender-based violence, and what else is needed to make progress?

Open Government helps position the fight against gender-based violence as a political priority through collaboration with the private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More and civil society, especially organizations specialized in supporting survivors. It also strengthens service delivery and ensures resources reach those who need them most. However, the biggest challenge remains the effective implementation of these services at the local level. Municipal governments play a crucial role, as they are the first point of contact for communities. To achieve real prevention, we need sustained investment and coordination at all levels of government.