Susanne Kummer, Advisor for Gender Equality

Photo: Susanne Kummer (horizont3000) and Sebastiana Par (Ixoqib MIRIAM)

Strengthening the gender expertise, knowledge in adult education and project management of the specialist. In both projects, the mediation of Mayan culture (personal identity, language, spirituality, political, social and legal forms of organization), the prevention of gender-based violence and the comprehensive and culturally relevant care for survivors of violence is special concern.

Directly involved are 125 people (84 female and 31 male), indirectly involved 1.492 people (830 female and 662 male).

Susanne Kummer is a political scientist and gender expert with years of experience in organizational development and educational innovation. She has a degree in interdisciplinary Latin-American studies and recently finished the thesis of her PHD in pedagogical mediation.

• The advisory assignment focuses on strengthening gender expertise, adult education, and project management to support indigenous women and youth in Guatemala. Conducted in cooperation with local organizations, the assignment enhances mediation processes, violence prevention strategies, and culturally relevant care for survivors of violence.
• The advisor provides training for indigenous authorities in Santa Cruz de Quiché on women’s rights and new masculinities. The assignment includes the development of training materials on conflict mediation, the creation of a legal guide for ancestral authorities facing criminalization, and the implementation of a communications campaign promoting indigenous women as justice leaders. The advisor ensures project monitoring and transparent financial management while supporting funding efforts for ongoing conflict prevention and mediation initiatives.
• The assignment strengthens ASOL’s institutional structures by supporting the formal recognition of the youth shelter and its integration into the national referral system for at-risk youth. It includes the development of programs for psychological care, education, and emergency response, as well as the implementation of a child protection policy across ASOL’s leadership and team. The advisor facilitates the selection of new youth residents, supports team restructuring, and promotes family reintegration where possible. Additionally, sexual education workshops raise awareness among youth and improve access to critical information.
• A key focus of the assignment is institutional strengthening, including securing funding for projects that enhance education and comprehensive care for vulnerable youth, particularly indigenous girls. The advisor engages with national and international donors to expand financial support and ensure long-term sustainability. The assignment also promotes gender-sensitive conflict resolution and strengthens youth protection frameworks to create safer and more supportive environments for indigenous women and youth in Guatemala.
• SDG targets: 5.2; 5.5; 16.3; 16.10