How a survivor retreat is leading a movement for justice in Guatemala

Women from towns and rural communities traveled from far away to join the "Weaving Networks That Protect" 2025 Justice Camp hosted by IJM Guatemala. 

"When we first dreamed this up, it felt impossible. Bringing together the Pro Women, the institutions, the whole justice system — it felt like a dream that wouldn’t come true. But here we are, doing it for the third time. This space is for you. We’re just here to help make it happen." shared Diana Urbano, Director of International Justice Mission Colombia, stepped up to the mic, wearing the camp t-shirt and a joy she didn’t try to hide.

Building the Local Justice System

This camp was a step toward building the Local Justice System (LJS). Developed by the Ministry of Justice with support from IJM, the LJS is a strategy to make justice accessible — not just through state institutions, but through shared community responsibility. Built from the lived experiences of those who face violence and those who fight it, the LJS aims to become sustainable public policy, led by local authorities and communities. It’s already been presented to the Municipal Council, and work is underway to create a legal framework that gives it official status.

Through participatory exercises and hands-on training, women built skills, shared knowledge and wove new networks. In one session, survivors, community leaders, and justice officials recognized the actions already being taken to overcome barriers to justice across different types of conflict.

Justice Takes Shape

One of the most powerful moments was an activity called "The Masterpiece of Justice". Participants used their bodies to express what justice meant to them: a scale holding balance. A bridge connecting two sides. During the badge-making challenge, each group solved riddles, sang chants, and designed flags and mottos. One read: “Justice, unity, and empowerment.” Another: “Building trust in justice.”

Naming Injustice to transform it

The Justice Camp was not only a place of connection and creativity — it was also a space for deep reflection. In a powerful roundtable on barriers to justice, members of the Pro Women’s Network sat alongside justice officials to name the challenges that persist: protection measures that go unenforced, emergency services that never arrive, lost evidence and cases dismissed without proper investigation.

Each group took time to unpack these issues. They wrote down causes and solutions, drew diagrams, and mapped out not just the problems—but the possible paths forward. 

“We used to feel alone, abandoned,” one woman shared. “The Network gave us a refuge, a place to say what we think and feel. And a powerful message: If you need me, I will be there. We are here to listen, not to judge.”

Healing Through Movement

Beyond the discussions, the camp offered moments of healing. Women participated in Pilates, dance therapy, and art-dance—each session a way to reconnect with their bodies and emotions. 

“I’m leaving with a fresh perspective, feeling rested,” said one Network leader. “I stepped out of my routine and away from constant worry. Being part of the Network means a lot to me. I’ve made friends and sisters. I feel like we’re equals here, that we respect each other.” 

Another member spoke from a place of deep resilience: 

“We used to feel dimmed and forgotten. We had no one to trust. Now I feel confident. Psychologists have helped me a lot. My husband was murdered. I’m from another country and live alone with my 7-year-old son. He has been my strength. Maybe I wouldn’t be here if the Network hadn’t welcomed me.”

Stories That Weave Systems

During the activity “Stories That Weave Systems”, each group received a ball of yarn and a task: share their stories and build a network that shows how they are connected to the justice system. It wasn’t about making a perfect design. Knots, shapes, and spontaneous patterns were enough. What mattered was the conversation. As they wove, they shared. The threads became stories, metaphors, lived experiences, and shared dreams.

One woman told her story of exclusion and violence, and how she overcame it to raise her children and serve her community. Later, a leader shared her dream of a justice system that responds quickly and with compassion. Another group described their network as a river, flowing through obstacles but never stopping. After each presentation, groups connected their networks, finding shared phrases, emotions, and points of connection. Threads intertwined. So did their stories.

By the end, all the networks formed one large collective weave as a symbol of a stronger, more inclusive justice system, held together by every connection made.

Institutions Stepping Up

Representatives from courts, hospitals, prosecutors, defenders, judges, and community groups shared updates on the Local Justice System (LJS). They spoke openly about progress, challenges and key cases. One official described how they quickly activated protection for a woman at risk. Another shared improvements in handling evidence in sexual violence cases.

To honour the collective efforts of everyone involved in the Justice Camp, a symbolic recognition ceremony was held. Women from the Protectors Network were celebrated for their creativity, resilience, and commitment to community care, while institutions were acknowledged for their role in bridging gaps, amplifying voices, and bringing justice closer to those who need it most. The ceremony highlighted the shared dedication to building a more inclusive and compassionate justice system.

Each award was a tribute to those bringing justice closer to people — by listening, acting and protecting.

A Bold Step Forward

The camp concluded with the official launch of the Local Justice System, a collaborative initiative bringing together legal experts, authorities, social leaders and the Women Protectors Network. Designed to be accessible, trauma-informed and rooted in community realities, the LJS represents a bold move toward lasting public policy — one shaped by those affected and led by women determined to transform justice from the ground up.