Besides ethnic rivalry and poverty, one of the main reasons for discrimination against women is the lingering effect of machismo – the traditional idea of male superiority in Latin America. Until recently, the society acceptance of machismo made violence any everyday experience for many women. Besides standing up to husbands, many women have also benefited in other ways – learning how to keep time, organize meetings, work in a team, make projects, raise awareness and advocate about social issues in their own town and neighboring communities. Juana Ramos, who performed a Mayan prayer to welcome the Peace Boat group, said the attention of people from outside their village helps encourage them. "We've done this play many times, but this is the first time we've experienced being watched as women – as human beings," Ramos said.

Ramos reflected that encouragement from their own village groups, AMVA and foreign organizations have helped strengthen Guatemalan women, who hope that the changes they are fighting for will happen in their lifetime. "Thanks to this place women are more willing to try new things and show their face," she said. Estela said the difficulties of staying in the theater balances out when she thinks of the future she is helping to build. "It's been difficult for us to do this, because our husbands disagree. But I have ten kids and I want them to have a better future by making a role for independent women," she said.