Identity
"Proyecto DIFA Alternativas y Actualización, A.C." is an organization based in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, founded in 2006 and legally established on January 24, 2008.
The term "DIFA" encapsulates our four strategic pillars: Documentation, Investigation, Training, and Self-Management. We primarily focus on Human Development to support individuals facing vulnerability due to factors such as gender, age, identity, and belonging. Our overarching themes include a Culture of Peace, Generational Perspective, Gender Equity, Transculturality, and the daily practice of Human Rights.
Values
Identity: "Proyecto Difa" is our collective name, representing a unit built upon the recognition of the diversity of individuals who give life to Proyecto Difa.
Honesty: We honor and respect the given word, as those who honor their word are individuals of great quality.
Equity: Understood as the collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities.
Community: The success of one person represents the success of the entire community; therefore, we all support each other to grow.
Globality: Recognizing human pluralism and the strength it provides for collective growth through reciprocal cooperation.
Social and Political Position
- Men and women have the same rights and obligations by law; however, we have different positions and conditions in our historical, social, economic, political, and cultural context. Therefore, gender equity should be promoted by strengthening the autonomy of women.
- The right to decide about our bodies should be a right protected by the State.
- Youth is a temporary condition for a developing generation. Each generation of young people should be addressed by social institutions according to their characteristics and generational needs, without stereotypes and without conditions.
- Identity and belonging are personal determinations. Everyone has the right to self-identify or self-exclude. Additionally, no one should be discriminated against or stigmatized based on their identity and/or belonging of any kind.
- The work of organized civil society should be based on ethical and professional practice.
Mission
To provide alternatives for Human Development, initiating processes that enhance the quality of life for individuals in marginalized and vulnerable situations due to gender, age, identity, and belonging.
Vision
Strategic flexibility, to assist individuals in an ethical and professional manner.
Institutional objectives
• Empower individuals for autonomy, creativity, and decision-making.
• Create conditions that enhance the quality of life for the people with whom we work.
• Provide developmental spaces for new generations in childhood, adolescence, or youth and accompany them in formulating their strategies for adult life.
• Activate a Culture of Human Rights, Gender perspectives, Generational considerations, and transculturality in all aspects of our work.
• Promote innovative and creative ways to co-create individual and collective peace culture.