In the highlands of Chiapas many people live in poverty. CONEVAL reports 74.2 percent of the population in poverty and 46.5 percent in extreme poverty. Women work formally at 31 percent, below the national average of 45 percent. Most women work informally in agriculture or small vending and earn around MXN 5,200 a month (about USD 260).
Illiteracy is high in the state at 16–17 percent and 25–30 percent among Indigenous women. About 28 percent of residents speak Indigenous languages. Internet access is limited: about 35 percent in rural areas and 75 percent in urban areas. Violence also matters: in 2024 there were 197 violent deaths of women, 63 confirmed femicides. Programs such as Low-Tech, Tecnolochicas, and textbook translation try to help girls learn digital skills and keep their languages.
Difficult words
- education — The process of teaching and learning.
- programs — Planned activities for a specific purpose.
- skills — Abilities to do something well.
- confidence — Belief in one’s own abilities.confident
- culture — Ideas, customs, and social behavior.
- illiteracy — Inability to read or write.
- languages — Systems of communication used by people.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think programs like Tecnolochicas can change lives?
- Why is it important to learn in local languages?
- What other skills should girls learn for better jobs?
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