Women Empowerment

This second edition of “Trabajar Vale La Pena” is a project that seeks to promote the personal development of women in situations of psychosocial vulnerability. It aims to build vital / occupational projects through strengthening the autonomy based on a methodological strategy: Occupational Training Project.

The current edition of the program was held at the Gauchito, an NGO working with women and children in vulnerable situations, located in the neighborhood Los Troncos, Tigre. Its coordinator is called Paola, who is responsible for organizing and implementing the various recreational activities, and trainings carried out in the institution, both for women and their children. Birthday parties, cooking workshops, school support are some of the activities undertaken with their children in the neighborhood. Moreover, women who participated in the project, among other workshops they attend, attend there to finish high school within the Plan Final. That is why the group that took part of our project, was a consolidated one, having built a confidence bond as they have been working together for some time.

In the fist meeting they introduced themselves as follows:

• Natalia, 44 years old, 4 children. "I live alone with two young children, I am single"
• Norma, 3 children. "I am happy just with them. There is no room for anyone else, just pets. I'm happy this way"
• Mary, 34 years old, 3 children "I'm separated two years ago, I am good "
• Monica, 35 years old, 3 children. "We are and we are not with my younger son´s dad".
• Paola (coordinator of the NGO) 35 years old, married, 2 children.
• Nancy, 8 children "6 mine and 2 from my nephew, I'm married”
• Celeste, 35 years old, 7 children, 2 grandchildren. "After I came here, I decided to get my fallopian tubes tied. I'm now back with the dad of my youngest son and I will not have more children"
• Carolina, 32 years old, 3 children. "I do not want more, with 3 is enough."
• Mara, 45 years old, 6 children, 2 grandchildren. "I'm married, with so many people living at home when there's no one I feel lonely. At home people are coming and going all day. All live with me. "
• Paula, 41 years old, 4 children, one granddaughter.
• Estela 42 years old , 7 children. "I´m in a relationship for the last ten months, we are in a honeymoon. He wants kids, I do not. "
• Erika 33 years old, 2 children. "I'm alone with my children, better alone than in bad company."

About their projects they mentioned:

"This is a very good idea to know each other, specially now that we are finishing secondary school, and we need to be able to build a CV, and think about the project we really want to do.

"I love sharing and knowing other people. I need a job prospects. I would like to do a project with a job opportunity. "

"This ( project) is like a new world, because we usually cared more about the house and our children, go shopping and come back. This is a place more to have a little time for us, is our place and space. "

Through different dynamics during the 8 meetings, Fundación Oportunidad facilitate the construction of a project based on their wishes, personal goals and possibilities. The process allowed the recognition of the participants own skills and competencies developed in his life story; define their projects promoting the implementation of an action plan, as well as building networks and supporting ties.

Finally, as a result of the process, different groups were stablished.

Natalia, Erika, Paola and Monica planned and began to launch a catering entrepreneurship. They made a survey, and decided to prepare sweet things to offer in the neighborhood and shops ... a variety of cakes, biscuits was the initial menu. Before concluding the meeting, they managed to set a day and time in which together start with their business plan beginning with the initial necessary kitchen tests. They also designed the presentation flyers and put a name to their project: "Home".

Nancy stood at the beginning aimed at making a hairdressing course, but after analyzing her possibilities and obstacles, she chose to start a sewing course. She was joined by Carolina, who had contact an NGO where the courses are offered.

Estela and Paula opted for an educational project, both found out for further study or a career in nursing. They took care together to get the information needed to register as soon as they finish their highschool studies at the NGO, The Gauchito.

Mary, Norma, Celeste and Mara wanted to focus in building theirs Curriculum Vitae, in order to appoint job interviews in some factories located in the area. They would also  decided to look for a job in family homes to work for an hour, doing housework. They shared the information they had about the places, possibilities and requirements requested.