The Ugly Truth in a Beautiful Country
by Tara A. Spears Editor Jaltemba Edition
Blame it on the telenovelas; blame it on a macho culture; blame it on the gang violence or the 1950’s attitude that a woman is the property of a man; no matter what the reason, for many women violence is their ugly truth. “Violence against women isn’t an epidemic, it’s a pandemic in Mexico,” said Ana Guezmez, Mexico’s representative for United Nations Women, the U.N. entity for gender equality. As with many cultures, when you look beneath the glossy, beautiful surface you can see the tainted underbelly and hear the women crying. Perhaps it is even more shocking to see bruises under a tropical sun. Fortunately for Jaltemba Bay, a local couple-identified as Maria and Jose for security purposes- has decided to do something to help battered women break the abuse cycle. This dedicated and caring pair initiated The GEMA Project (Grupo Especial de Mujeres Aprendiendo) one year ago.
Of the GEMA Project, Kathy Gueldner Traut explained, “After Maria and Jose moved to the area, they were appalled at how prevalent the problem of female abuse was, but even more shocked that there was absolutely no help or support for the women here. They knew that in larger cities there frequently is a shelter or a network to help these women, but in our rural area, not even the police will respond.” Rather than ignore the problem, the couple saved up for four years to build a pavilion and furnish it with tables and chairs in which to offer meetings and classes to the women in need.
First the couple helped one lady, then another; before long, just through word of mouth, Maria started holding group sessions. Maria and Jose networked to find a volunteer therapist, volunteers to transport the women and children for their support group, volunteers to look after the children while the women were getting some much needed support, and yet others to help with what they envisioned as a program of life skills.
Currently GEMA Project provides life skills classes for: First Aid; Driver Training – most of the women do not know how to drive; therefore, even if there was an opportunity to escape in the past, they could not. English instruction because there are many more job opportunities if bilingual; Physical Activity – this helps reduce stress and is a team building exercise for the women. Crafts – the women can either do a craft that they already know or learn a new one. The benefit is twofold: the women feel good about what they create and by selling items she can earn a little bit of money thus gaining some much needed independence.
By providing a safe, non-judgmental place for the women to share their personal situation, GEMA Project strives to help the women unburden their pain, increase self-esteem, and build self –respect. Kathy said, “This is the most vital component. The women learn what is and is not acceptable behavior from their husbands.” 
GEMA Project’s immediate goals are to build a residential portion on their facility and purchase a used truck in good working order. “While GEMA has been used volunteers and volunteer vehicles to pick up women and drive them to safe place with friends to escape a dangerous situation,” Maria and Kathy are concerned “That when the snowbirds are not in town the problems will still be here.” GEMA has increased their fundraising efforts by requesting financial support from other established non-profit organizations. The Women to Women Fashion Show Committee recently approved a grant for $20,000 towards GEMA initiatives.
International pressure over the significant increase in killings of Mexican women persuaded Mexican lawmakers in 2007 to approve new legislation aimed at preventing violence against women. This federal legislation created a national body to try to reduce the femicides and urged judges to sign protective orders for abuse victims. The law also established so-called gender violence alerts, a tool to mobilize national, state and local governments to catch perpetrators and reduce murders. Yet in practice the gender alert has never been activated and Pena Nieto’s term as president, and his authority, is ending this summer. 
Bureaucracy moves slowly and that’s why there is such a huge need for a private group, such as GEMA, to provide immediate relief. Already this fledgling organization is helping dozens of women and their children, offering alternatives to a negative situation. The scientists are conducting studies to determine what triggers abuse; the government makes laws; but the bottom line is these battered women need help right now, right here. Thank God for GEMA!
Yes, we all go on vacation to leave our troubles behind, but you can still have fun and help GEMA at the same time. Just by being aware of GEMA Project you can simply tip the Noble & Cole band playing in area restaurants: they give the tips to GEMA. Or attend one of the weekly bingo afternoons at the La Penita Senior Center. Buy a 50/50 raffle ticket at your local hangout and help GEMA build a residence for women in dangerous situations. Look forward to attending cool GEMA fundraisers- Music Cruise and a Street Dance next winter season. It’s that easy!
You can enjoy your visit while making a positive impact for abused local women at the same time. Look at the list that follows and toss a couple of these items in your suitcase before heading down, or email Kathy to arran
Clothes for women, children and babies; linens for bunk beds for future shelter; towels and toiletries; anything to help outfit two bedrooms and a bathroom; Bedroom furniture including bunk beds, night tables, lamps, dressers, wardrobes etc.; Additional linens and towels to give to the women.
To donate, to volunteer, or to learn more about The GEMA Project, email Kathy:
sierrakat15@gmail.com You can also like their facebook page: www.facebook.com/grupogemaforwithoutopportunityorabusedwomen/
Every woman is entitled to enjoy the beauty of her surroundings without the fear of being hurt!