Economic Growth Mexico Project #36783

Productive, Healing Center for Women in Mexico

by MANOS QUE RECONSTRUYEN OAXACA A.C.

Productive, Healing Center for Women in Mexico

Summary

In September 2017 many villages of Oaxaca, South of Mexico, were heavily damaged by an earthquake. Una Mano Para Oaxaca aims to provide education for local people to improve their living conditions. At our Community Center indigenous Zapotec women learn about traditional trades in order to increase their income and rebuild their houses. This educational model strengthens their collective voice and power, through healing, self-esteem, cultural and artistic workshops for women and their children.

$25,000
total goal

$4,753
remaining

189
donors

3
monthly donors

4
years

Challenge

In September 2017, Southern Mexico was shaken by an earthquake of 8.4 magnitude. This earthquake destroyed many homes and businesses in low-income communities of the Istmo of Tehuantepec. In the local area there are very little professional and educational opportunities. The devaluation of women and artisans is a systemic problem arising from established education systems and poverty. The population also suffers from post-traumatic stress.

Solution

Our Community Center aims to value the local and traditional artcrafts and offer opportunities to women to have a new productive activity in order to generate more income. Through the productive workshops we provide a space for women to organize and make decisions collectively. The approach focuses on human rights of women and training in traditional trades for economic revival and emotional healing by allowing women to exercise their rights to work, education and culture.

Long-Term Impact

The project can capacitate and empower 240 women per year. It preserves local knowledges that were disappearing or not valued. Our courses in personal finance and business skills promote the generation of sources of self-employment for women. Through the well-being program they can have a healthier lifestyle for them and their families (the first cause of death in Mexico is diabetes). The cultural activities help children value their culture and open their minds and creativity.