When the women of AMOS faced the possibility of their organization breaking apart, they felt deep concern. Founded in 2013 as Red Unión de Mujeres (RUM), the organization brought together women from communities along the El Salvador–Honduras border who shared a commitment to strengthen their communities. Over time, however, the difficulty of traveling long distances to meet, limited time, competing responsibilities, and the absence of a shared physical space made collective coordination increasingly difficult to sustain.
By 2024, the women faced an important decision: dissolve or reorganize their work. They knew leadership had to shift and new organizational dynamics had to emerge. “Personally, I felt sad and afraid that I would not be able to do the work alone,” says Mirna, a leader from Apopa. “But we all took responsibility as organizations and chose to move forward, accepting new personal and organizational challenges.”
Choosing to Stay Organized
The women chose to remain connected, confident in their shared skills, relationships, and their ability to lead change within their communities. “It was important for us to grow stronger and build a better path together,” Yanira explains, “not only for long-time members, but also to create opportunities for other women in our local communities.”
This is how Red Unión de Mujeres (RUM) evolved into four independent, women-led organizations, now under the name AMOS, each rooted in its own community and supported through the ESPERA program. The transition brought uncertainty but also opened space for renewed leadership and participation.
Trust, Leadership, and Renewed Participation
After reorganizing into smaller, local organizations, women strengthened their confidence, leadership, and sense of ownership. Participation increased as leadership roles became clearer and more accessible. Mary’s Pence staff observed women taking greater responsibility for annual planning, identifying achievements and challenges, and actively shaping the future of their organizations.
A key shift occurred when each organization began managing its own loan pool. “When we began managing our own loan pool, we took on more responsibility,” Mirna explains. “We identified what mattered most for our organization and made decisions together, always with the support of the ESPERA program.”
Mabel, ESPERA Lead in Central America, emphasizes the importance of this change: “When women manage their own lending pools, they exercise real economic power. They understand how their initiatives work and recognize the value they generate for their families and communities.”
This transformation reflects a core belief at Mary’s Pence: that lasting social change begins at the most local level. Through the ESPERA program, Mary’s Pence invests not only in access to financial resources but in women’s capacity to organize, lead, and make decisions for their own communities.
The Power of Accompaniment
Women in Central America navigate economic and social vulnerability while carrying heavy domestic and community responsibilities. In this context, financial support alone does not create lasting change. Ongoing accompaniment strengthens organizations and allows women to lead with confidence.
Through regular visits, training sessions, and consistent follow-up, the ESPERA program supports organizations as spaces of mutual care. “All forms of support have been valuable,” says Yanira. Workshops on emotional health, leadership development, and recent government regulations affecting organizations and economic initiatives support women not only as entrepreneurs but also as leaders within their families and communities.
Leadership Rooted in Community
“Being part of this organization brings well-being, opportunities, and transformation,” Yanira reflects. “It has changed my life and the lives of other women.”
The story of AMOS reflects the heart of Mary’s Pence’s approach. When women lead, make decisions locally, and receive sustained accompaniment, they build strong organizations and lasting change rooted in dignity, solidarity, and trust.