Psychology and Human Rights, A.C.
Indigenous Women's Cooperatives in Hidalgo
Psicología y Derechos Humanos A.C. (PSYDEH) is a civil society organization committed to empowering women in rural and indigenous regions. With a focus on education, human rights and participatory processes, PSYDEH supports women in analyzing local problems and developing their own solutions.
The organization works at the grassroots level with a long-term perspective, guided by the values of communication, solidarity, responsibility, honesty, respect and community. These principles ensure transparency and sustainable impact at the community level.
The Otomí-Tepehua region in Hidalgo is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Mexico. Four of the six municipalities located there are predominantly indigenous. Nevertheless, these communities face significant challenges: poverty, gender inequality and a lack of political participation determine everyday life in many places. Access to resources and social services is severely restricted, especially for indigenous communities – and particularly for women.
Since 2015, PSYDEH has been working to support indigenous women in rural areas of Mexico, particularly in the state of Hidalgo. Through training programs on civil rights, self-organization, and civic participation, five women-led cooperatives have already been established.
During the first phase of the “La Red” project, support was provided for the establishment of a regional network of Otomí women’s cooperatives. The focus was on collaboratively developed initiatives that opened up new economic opportunities for the participants through traditional embroidery and handicrafts.
With the Sierra Madre Network 2.0 now in Phase 2, PSYDEH is further expanding its successful, women-led cooperative model. From 2025 to 2028, the network will grow from four to eight cooperatives and from 60 to 100 participating women.
The focus is on strengthening women’s economic self-determination and leadership roles. In training workshops, participants gain practical knowledge in textile design, cooperative entrepreneurship, regenerative tourism, and women’s leadership. At the same time, the cooperatives are supported in better marketing their products, tapping into new sales opportunities, and sustainably strengthening their organizational structures.
A key component of the project is the development of a regenerative tourism model that preserves local culture and traditional knowledge, protects natural resources, and at the same time creates new income opportunities for the communities.
Fifty young people are also participating in intergenerational learning and exchange programs. This helps pass on knowledge, strengthen cultural identity, and open up career opportunities for young people, ensuring a sustainable future in their region.
The project thus combines economic participation, gender equality, cultural revitalization, and sustainable regional development. By 2028, the Sierra Madre Network is expected to be strengthened organizationally and economically to the point where it can operate autonomously, resiliently, and sustainably over the long term.
Hannah Swenson
Mail
Website: https://psydeh.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psydeh/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psydeh
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@psydeh
