WOMEN TAKING ACTION

THE CONTEXT OF YOUR INITIATIVE

Exclusion is present in our society, that is a fact, and exclusion is getting worse for working class women with little or no education and who must take care of their households and children.
Our initiative with working class women started with the building of a relationship with Emmaus Resistencia and this relationship was gradually transformed into permanent voluntary work which has been running for 3 years. The group is full of working class mothers who are the pillars of their households and who know how to recycle and reuse materials and objects that others have thrown away.

THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AS PART OF YOUR INITIATIVE

The activities led with the group include the sorting, repairing and reusing of materials, clothes and objects in order to protect nature and the environment.

The work is voluntary but Emmaus shares any goods or other objects that they may need with these women. There are shared spaces to meet and discuss how to encourage/save the medical know-how passed down from our parents and grandparents about the treatment of certain diseases. Again, the goal of this is to return to a more harmonious relationship with nature and our bodies. Emmaus also provides guidance and information on any legal, family or social matters.

We think that these spaces, which are shared with children and other family members, are very important as they create a sense of belonging within the group and they increase self-esteem. For the women these spaces represent a place to turn to for help.

WHO IS INVOLVED FROM OUR GROUP?

We have 10 women involved in this initiative as well as Emmaus companions, partners from the institution which runs the workshops and professionals from different sectors.

WHICH PARTNERS ARE YOU WORKING WITH ON THIS INITIATIVE?

FUTURE PROSPECTS

We think this space is an important one to share knowledge and experiences. No-one is teaching anyone else, we learn together as a community and each member offers their capabilities and experiences to everyone else.

Our successes include: an improvement of the collection work, organisation in the sector, increased income for 10 women and weekly resources to help them participate in their family’s income. We also think that creating a feeling of belonging to the group has been an important achievement.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE?

WHAT ARE YOUR PROSPECTS?

To look for new donors/members who sponsor and support this initiative.