Finding Inspiration from the Women of Mucuyche

There is one project that has been dear to our hearts for nearly seven years. This is a gastronomic tourism project run by women in a small community called Mucuyche, in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The 15 women involved in the project seized the opportunity to share their food and culture with travelers visiting a nearby natural attraction, the Yaal Utzil cenote. This is a grassroots effort that focuses on gender equality while strengthening the livelihoods of women in rural areas.

As V Social’s local coordinator of community-based tourism projects for Central America, there is no other project that I am so proud of. We have gone so many ups and downs, but these experiences have taught us so much about managing projects located in rural areas. 

Small communities are prone to conflict, gossip, and rivalry, which bring many projects to an end. This was just one of the obstacles we encountered along the way, among other common challenges to take into account when working with women’s groups. These include:

1. Machismo 

Men in rural communities often resist women's progress. This mindset, characterized by dominance and aggression, perpetuates gender inequality, promotes violence, and limits emotional wellbeing.

2. Environmental degradation

Hunting and deforestation lead to biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance. These activities disrupt traditional livelihoods, reduce access to resources like clean water and fertile soil, and exacerbate climate change through carbon emissions.

3. Poverty

Poverty can limit community engagement and participation in tourism projects as immediate survival needs take precedence over long-term development plans. Socioeconomic disparities may persist, and financial interests can lead to exploitation.

4. Internal conflict management

Internal conflicts, often driven by envy and competition, reduce solidarity and collaboration. These conflicts hinder collective actions, cause emotional distress, and erode trust and cohesion, impacting the overall wellbeing and social progress of the community.

5. Lack of technology

Limited technology use hampers the effectiveness of community-based tourism projects. It restricts access to online marketing and booking systems, reducing visibility and competitiveness, which leads to lower visitor numbers, decreased revenue, and missed opportunities for sustainable development.

Despite these challenges, the project with the women in Mucuyche continued to strive for progress, demonstrating that with perseverance and innovation, communities can overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable development.

The Gastronomic and Cultural Experience with Mucuyche Women has provided me with a lot of insights to learn from and to be inspired by. These are some of the takeaways that I will apply to other women’s projects I work with in Latin America to ensure that they are successful. 

1. Talk about gender equality

This process empowers women with the skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in and lead initiatives, ensuring their voices and perspectives are included. It helps to dismantle traditional gender roles and biases, promoting an inclusive environment where women can thrive economically and socially. Gender equality training enhances the overall sustainability and success of tourism projects by fostering equitable opportunities and benefits for all community members.

2. Celebrate cultural identity

Cooking holds a significant cultural and social value, being deeply rooted in traditions, family dynamics, and societal roles. Women often take pride in preserving and continuing these culinary practices. Meals are often a communal experience, reinforcing family bonds and cultural identity. This role, while evolving, still influences the perception of cooking as an important and valued activity for women.

3. Take advantage of the surroundings

Natural attractions can significantly enhance the success of community-based tourism projects. Tourism focused on natural attractions can create jobs and generate income for local communities. This economic boost can support infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, improving the overall quality of life. These unique environments attract tourists seeking authentic and immersive experiences. 

4. Look for partnerships and support

Collaborating with NGOs, government bodies, and international organizations can provide technical and financial support. These partnerships can help in capacity building, funding, and promoting best practices.

5. Provide regular training

Regular training helps women develop new skills and enhance existing ones, enabling them to take on diverse roles within their communities and beyond. This empowerment fosters confidence and independence, allowing women to contribute more effectively to local economic and social development.

One of the main reasons we support women at V Social is because of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations, which clearly state that when you invest in the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women, there is a ripple effect and everyone wins.

The project in Mucuyche has inspired confidence in a remarkable group of women! Emerging from a culture that offered them limited independence, they now have economic opportunities and can share their love for cooking and traditional knowledge with visitors. This initiative impacts not only the women directly involved, but also extends its benefits to 450 people in the surrounding area. The women of Mucuyche have acquired entrepreneurial skills and gained resources to enhance their community's infrastructure and quality of life. They now have more funds to invest in their children's health and education, setting a powerful precedent for their daughters' future success.