Income-Generation Skills for Battered Mothers

Summary

Unable to provide a safe home for themselves and their children due to domestic abuse, these 25 women who were all teenage mothers learn necessary income-generation skills in order to be independent.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

25 battered mothers and their children, who exhibit delinquent behaviors, find solidarity among other families that share their experience. They come from the poorest area within Brazil: an overcrowded city that lacks basic sanitation and government services. They meet with professional social workers who counsel them through the process of waiting for a place at the shelter and also help in conflict resolution.

How will this project solve this problem?

The women get training in the handicraft of doll-making, a part of their cultural heritage. Creating dolls with their children brings families closer together, provides income and teaches marketing skills.

Potential Long Term Impact

Solidarity Studio will create a sustainable income- generation program for 25 women. It will empower them to leave abusive households and to provide for their families, and will offer psychological counseling for them and their children.

Project Message

The project leaders of this group are very proactive, capable and innovative women who are forever coming up with new ways to sustain their community and always with great joy and pride.
- Christine Clauser, Director of Development- Dreams Can Be Foundation

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources