Since 2006, the Peter Newman Foundation has worked with Justin Coburn and Peace and Diversity Australia to provide funding for a range of programs to improve the lives of Mayan women in the Chiapas region of Southern Mexico.
These women are part of Las Abejas (The Bees), whose membership includes over four hundred families from twenty-seven communities, principally rural farmers, mostly Tsotziles, of the Mayan Nation. Las Abejas are a non-violent Indigenous social movement advocating for human rights, land rights and peace in Chiapas.
Known for their resistance to displacement and violence, they emphasise non-violence, community self-determination and Indigenous identity. The group gained international attention following the Acteal Massacre in 1997, when 45 of its members were killed while praying in a chapel in the community of Acteal.
Las Abejas Women Empowerment Program
Indigenous Community in Chiapas, Mexico
Current funding: 2026 to 2028
From 2026 to 2028, the Peter Newman Foundation is funding four projects led by Las Abejas.
Women's Savings Fund: Supporting the 34-member women's savings group, founded in 2010, to develop small-scale economic initiatives such as pig farming and livestock, stocking small local shops and handicraft production. This strengthens household income and women's economic independence.
Communication of Las Abejas: Sustaining Las Abejas' own community-led media outlet, founded in 2000, which produces news in Tsotsil and Spanish. Funding covers transport, support for four communicators, recording and broadcasting equipment, and documentary screenings.
School of Las Abejas of Acteal: Supporting community-based bilingual (Tsotsil and Spanish) education rooted in dignity, memory and non-violence, for girls, boys, youth and adults from twelve communities. Funding provides a computer, transport for 45 participants, and food support for facilitators.
Las Abejas Organisational Program: Strengthening the organisation's work, including commemorations of the Acteal Massacre and an outreach campaign supporting community justice through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Funding covers workshops, supplies and events.
Programs supported over the years
Savings Groups: Women form savings groups where their savings are matched peso for peso (up to AUD $5 a month). The women in each group manage their own funds and can access them for medical emergencies and other needs.
Micro-credit bank: After a year of proven savings, the women's groups can borrow small amounts of micro-credit for projects that aim to increase their income. Additional support is provided to help the groups carry out their projects and give them the best chance of success. Interest charged is used to administer the project and increase capital so that other women can join.
Increasing skills, capacity and education of women: Ongoing accompaniment to help the women run their projects, as well as training and capacity building in areas such as bookkeeping, literacy and Spanish.
Defending and promoting the rights of women: Women receive training and information on defending their rights, and women whose rights have been violated are supported in their efforts to seek justice.
