Guatemala faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality and the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 due to high levels of poverty, inequality, discrimination, and violence against women. Women experience systematic social, economic, political, and cultural exclusion and disadvantages. While some progress has been made in increasing women's participation in government and addressing gaps in education and employment, advancement has been slow and more efficient government policies are needed to mainstream gender rights and empower women. Achieving the MDGs is also made difficult by Guatemala's vulnerability to climate disasters and adverse economic conditions.