PSYDEH
Cooperatives in Hidalgo under indigenous women's leadership
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.
PSYDEH has been working for indigenous women in rural regions of Mexico, especially in the state of Hidalgo, since 2015. Five women-led cooperatives have already been established through training courses on civil rights, self-organization and participation.
The "La Red" project promotes the development of a regional network of Otomí women's cooperatives. The focus is on jointly developed initiatives such as traditional embroidery, which opens up new economic perspectives.
Currently, 60 women benefit directly from their work in four cooperatives. Another 100 women and girls participate in workshops on the solidarity economy, in which knowledge on collective business models and economic self-determination is imparted.
The Lemonaid & ChariTea e.V. contributes to the implementation of the project by enabling start-up financing, training materials and measures for cooperation development. The training of local coordinators is also supported.
Hannah Swenson
Mail
Website: https://psydeh.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psydeh/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psydeh
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@psydeh
