Empowers 1000 women in Acapulco after hurricanes

“Resilience is not imposed, it is woven into the community, with each story that dares to heal.”

During this second period, the project continued to strengthen the emotional, social, and economic support of the participating women, prioritizing those who live in rural areas with limited access to services and transportation after the hurricanes.

Aware of these conditions, we implemented a virtual and community follow-up model that allowed us to maintain constant care for 10 rural women, ensuring the continuity of their therapeutic processes and emotional recovery in safe and accessible environments.

Healing the invisible: support with dignity

Priority attention was given to a young survivor of sexual violence during Hurricane Otis, through a comprehensive therapeutic process with a human rights approach and specialized emotional support. This support has been essential for her recovery and for strengthening her local support network.

A group therapy session entitled “Caring for my body and my territory” was also held, focusing on coping with grief, anxiety, and rebuilding a sense of purpose and territorial belonging. More than 10 rural women participated, including community leaders and older adults, who found this space to be a place of trust, listening, and mutual support.

Results achieved

• 10 rural women received group therapeutic follow-up with a focus on self-care and territory.

• 1 young survivor of sexual violence began a comprehensive process of psychosocial support.

• Community network of women created to support each other in cases of anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

“I couldn't leave my house or talk about what happened. In the sessions, I understood that I can move on, that I am not alone.”

— Anonymous testimony, young participant, rural area of Acapulco

Challenges and lessons learned

Limited internet access continues to be a challenge; however, the team has developed hybrid support strategies that prioritize emotional closeness over technology. The women have shown admirable commitment, organizing themselves to participate in virtual or community sessions, demonstrating that solidarity can also be digital.

Next steps

The next stage will strengthen economic empowerment through gender-focused self-employment and solidarity entrepreneurship workshops. In addition, a group of community promoters will be consolidated to replicate the self-care, leadership, and resilience tools acquired.

Conclusion

Thanks to your support, this project continues to be a beacon of hope amid the reconstruction. The women of Acapulco are not only healing their wounds, but also rebuilding their collective power to transform their communities through dignity, autonomy, and sisterhood.

Because when a woman heals, an entire community flourishes.

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