Building a Women's Shelter in Cotacachi, Ecuador

Greetings Friends of Four Walls and a Roof,

I'm very delighted to tell you about our recent accomplishments and plans for the summer, as we continue to move forward with the project to establish a women's shelter in Cotacachi, Ecuador. Our Cotacachean colleagues in Ecuador are working to generate support for the shelter project and women's rights in the area. In the midst of changing political environments, they remain steadfast in their dedication to women's education, women's empowerment, and community building, and those of us here at Four Walls and  Roof continue to stand in solidarity--striving to obtain critical funding for the project and to raise awareness of the need for international support for women. 

This summer, I will be traveling to Cotacachi to complete a formal assessment for the women's shelter project, as well as, conduct doctoral research on women's community education in the area. As part of the project assessment, we--Ecuadorian colleagues and myself--hope to revise our plan of action  for the project, set timelines and goals, as well as, assess the needs and wants of women in the area. After my visit (June 9th-July 22nd), I will report back to all of you about our new project goals and timeline. I'm really excited going forward and hope you are too. 

In my own research, I will be examining how our colleagues are using educational workshops and initiatives to help women make informed decisions about themselves and their families. I will be looking at how women educators in Cotacachi view themselves in relationship to a larger Latin American women's movement and how they build coalition across lines of difference (indigenous, mestiza, and afro-ecuadorian women). I'm excited to share more details about this research project upon my return as well.

Another exciting thing to report is that a member of Global Giving will be visiting Cotacachi during my stay to meet with me and the rest of our colleagues to learn about the project. It will be nice to make those connections more formally and to be able to share our stories and dedication to this project to one another in person. 

Here in Champaign, Illinois we're also hosting fundraisers, sharing the story of women organizers in Cotacachi through the "Carichina Women" are exhibition, and generating support online. If you have some time, please make a donation today. 

Warmly,

Rachel Storm, Executive Director

Four Walls and a Roof  |  405 W. Springfield Ave. 2W, Champaign, IL. 61820

t. 630-677-7219 | e. director@fourwallsandaroof.org