An organization in Guatemala is transforming the lives of thousands of women through holistic development, creating safe spaces where they can rebuild their emotional well-being, strengthen their autonomy, and begin again

By: Lucia Ponce

As women, we walk different paths, but there is something that often repeats itself: at some point, the feeling of being lost appears. Along the way, many face experiences that leave deep marks—pain, violence, loss—that can gradually distance them from their essence, their purpose, and even how they see themselves.

In the midst of this process, holistic development for women stops being a distant concept and becomes a necessary tool to reclaim well-being and reframe one’s own story. And although it may sometimes feel like a solitary journey, it is not—many women are going through similar processes, each seeking, in their own way, to find themselves again.

That search was also the starting point for Ligia Dávila. Through her own healing journey, shaped by a complex family environment and the need for emotional recovery, she found more than personal answers: she recognized a reality shared by many women in Guatemala—the lack of safe spaces to rebuild their identity and well-being.

The question was inevitable: how many others were going through the same thing?

In 2019, she decided to take the first step. What began as close, almost intimate support soon grew into ÚNICAS, an organization that now works to promote holistic development for women in Guatemala.

The impact on women’s lives

The work of ÚNICAS is grounded in a clear idea: to promote holistic development for women, especially in vulnerable contexts, through a comprehensive approach. Its 360° model addresses three key dimensions—emotional, spiritual, and practical—understanding that well-being cannot be built from a single front.

Today, this approach is made possible by a network of 47 partners and 123 active collaborators who sustain each process and closely support those involved in the organization.

This model comes to life through three main programs:

Caring for the Caregiver

In hospitals, where emotional exhaustion often goes unnoticed, this program provides direct support to families through visits and holistic care sessions. More than 20 interventions have offered emotional support, recreational activities, and something essential: basic supplies such as hygiene kits, toys, and school materials.

ÚNICAS Families

Here, the focus is on the future. Through educational and food scholarships for girls, the program seeks to break cycles of inequality while strengthening families in the present. As part of this support, the Women Who Transcend Diploma Program (DMT) is implemented free of charge, aimed at mothers and guardians of the sponsored girls. This space seeks to promote changes in their emotional well-being, strengthen family dynamics, and provide hope through spiritual content, under the premise that “a positively impacted mother is a transformed family.”

Women Who Transcend Diploma Program (DMT)

For many women, this diploma program represents a true turning point. Throughout its different phases, it addresses topics such as self-esteem, emotional health, interpersonal relationships, and financial education, while also integrating practical tools such as budgeting and business model creation. More than a training process, it is a transformative experience.

It is open to all women who wish to participate and is an essential part of the journey for those who become volunteers, as 100% of them complete it. Additionally, its structure allows it to be replicated in companies, organizations, schools, and other institutions interested in women’s empowerment.

The reach of ÚNICAS continues to grow. To date, more than 18,000 women have participated in its programs and support spaces. Each year, around 1,000 women join workshops and training processes focused on their holistic development.

But beyond the numbers, what defines its impact is its commitment to sustainable processes. It is not just about supporting a moment, but about creating lasting change through education, guidance, and community.

A process that can change lives

What begins as a personal process rarely stays that way.

Many of the women who go through ÚNICAS experience profound changes in their self-esteem, emotional well-being, and the way they perceive themselves. Gradually, that change is also reflected in how they relate to their environment and in the confidence with which they make decisions.

For Emilia Valladares, who has been part of the organization since 2019, the impact has been clear:

“My experience at ÚNICAS has been extraordinary, a true blessing. I have grown personally, spiritually, and emotionally.”

But her testimony goes beyond individual growth. Along the way, she found something just as important: a network.

“I found wonderful women who supported me… they made me feel alive, and I began to move forward in the diploma program.”

And that is where the change becomes tangible. As a woman strengthens her confidence, she also develops skills such as communication, leadership, and resilience. In many cases, this translates into greater autonomy, even in the economic sphere.

“I realized that I, as a woman, am worth so much… the dreams that had been asleep began to awaken,” Emilia shares.

However, sustaining and expanding this impact comes with important challenges. Financial sustainability remains key to strengthening and scaling programs, consolidating operational structure, and increasing visibility to attract new allies.

Currently, ÚNICAS operates independently, without government funding. Its work is sustained through a network of women donors, strategic partnerships, and its own educational programs. This model not only allows it to maintain its focus, but also ensures that every resource directly supports its initiatives.

How to get involved

Behind every story of transformation, there is a community that makes it possible.

Those who wish to get involved can do so in different ways:

• Financial donations, which translate into scholarships, support kits, and training programs
• In-kind donations, such as personal hygiene items and basic supplies for women in vulnerable contexts
• Volunteering, participating in hospital activities or supporting educational initiatives

Every contribution matters. Every effort helps more women find the tools to rebuild and move forward.

Learn more or support the cause by visiting the website.

“At ÚNICAS, we don’t just provide scholarships or assistance; we restore the heart of women to transform the destiny of a nation. We believe that an emotionally healthy woman is the foundation of a thriving family and a productive Guatemala. Our goal is that no girl interrupts her education and no mother faces a crisis alone.”

— ÚNICAS Team