Wana's is just one story that demonstrates how women here have taken more control of their lives and improved their status in this society. Inglys Jesenia Arostegui Beltran, 26, is a mother of five and an outreach worker employed by the co-op to give technical advice and assistance to farming families. Thirteen mothers who received loans from the co-op formed a group to make and sell natural remedies, which are used in the health clinic. Today they manage their families' finances and have savings, which they lend to men. The co-op has also helped women make and sell hibiscus tea, a venture that is flourishing.
In a bold step that reflects the spirit of fairness that lies at its roots, the co-op is also striving to change the very way in which men value women in this community. It has helped pay for workshops on sensitive issues, such as the division of labour in the home and domestic violence.
"We get groups of families together and talk about daily life and ask questions like, ‘Do you think this is fair?' and ‘What can be changed?'" says Juan Ramon Bravo Reyes, 49, the president of Del Campo, a larger organization that helps the co-op sell its sesame seed oil. "It would be difficult to find a man in our society who would wash his own clothes," adds Juan, "but we hope that the children will adopt new ways."
And we can, too. Shortly after leaving Nicaragua, a fair-trade logo on a chocolate bar caught my eye as I waited in line at a convenience store back home in Toronto. It reminded me of Achuapa and how skin-care products made with sesame seed oil harvested in Achuapa have given women in that community a hand up and new hope. We may feel powerless to help others who are a world away from us, but we can do more than we think.
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Canadians lend a hand
Here are six organizations across Canada that are working on the ground in Nicaragua to make a difference. Your support of these groups can help change lives.
Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA)
From 2006 to 2007, CIDA's funding for projects in Nicaragua hit $7.7 million. Currently, CIDA is supporting the Government of Nicaragua's goal of universal primary education by 2015, as well as watershed management initiatives and gender-equality programs.
Canadian Labour Congress
The Canadian Labour Congress supports the Maria Elena Cuadra Association of Working and Unemployed Women in Nicaragua, which works to secure respect of labour and gender rights. It also works with unemployed women.
Care Canada
Care works to improve education and primary health care in Nicaragua. Recently it launched a rural water, sanitation and preventive health program.
CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev)
This nonprofit agency works for social change across Latin America, in particular, public education, protecting workers' rights, strengthening grassroots community groups, and global education. CoDev also teaches Canadians to understand global issues and the challenges for people in Latin America.
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam Canada works with local organizations across Nicaragua. Through its partners, Oxfam helps women's associations promote organic farming techniques and farm management; in particular, it is focusing on sexual and reproductive health, domestic violence and drug use. Oxfam Canada supports organizations that work to change men's behaviours toward women and foster respect for women's rights.
World Vision
Canadians sponsor 8,000 children in Nicaragua through World Vision. Their donations support education, health, improved nutrition, agricultural training and small business loans.
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