How Women Are Recovering Native Traditions
Suchitoto is a place where breathtaking mountainous scenery meets a rich history marked by tragic armed conflict and violence. Amidst the natural beauty of this region, a story of resilience,...
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Advancing Women’s Business Skills in El Salvador
Born into a deeply patriarchal society, Salvadoran women and girls face risks in every sphere of life. Violence, misogyny, and little economic opportunity are some of their daily struggles.
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“We Want a Life Free of Violence”
After meeting virtually with CEPROSI's technical team and studying all the information available about their story, our ESPERA Program Lead, Mabel Martínez, made the 11 hours bus ride from Tegucigalpa,...
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From Growing Chickens to Having Her Own Food Business
Life in rural El Salvador is filled with challenges, but also with women ready to take action and work hard for their families and their communities. That’s the case of...
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Sharing the Journey: 70 ESPERA Women Gather
We began gathering over 2 days - 70 women from 6 countries - for an ESPERA Encuentro / Gathering / Encounter in La Palma, El Salvador. First the women from...
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Growth in ESPERA
One woman wanted to invest in a crochet business – shawls, hats, scarfs, table runners – she had a contact in Italy that would help sell them there. Another wanted...
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Food Sovereignty – Leading to Full Bellies, Better Health, and Extra Income
The Mary's Pence ESPERA team members regularly meet with our partners to understand the needs and priorities of the local women’s organizations. Conversations in these meetings uncovered food insecurity issues...
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Training that Transforms
When schools in Honduras shut down for 3 months in early 2020, Sara R, a mother and owner of a small business that sold school supplies in her community,...
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ESPERA Regional Team Visits Women and Organizations in 4 Countries
The lifting of COVID restrictions has been a welcome reprieve for many people – especially the women of ESPERA who thrive on the community support and accompaniment they receive from...
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ESPERA’s Newest Partner Focuses on Gender Justice and Inclusion for Participants and their Families
According to ESPERA’s newest partner, the Asociación Coordinadora Salvadoreña de Pequeños Productores Organizados (CESPPO), funding from ESPERA for women’s small business loans was the final piece that was needed to...
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