We are thrilled to welcome two organizations to ESPERA: Intibucan Foundation for Development (FUNIDE) and Center for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (CPTRT). Both organizations have programs and partnerships that support local women’s groups.
These groups are Las Mariposas, focused on women’s healing and empowerment, and the Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión, promoting economic autonomy through sustainable community initiatives. Both organizations work closely with local women’s groups, bring strong community roots, and support initiatives that foster emotional wellness, leadership, and economic autonomy.
FUNIDE and the Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión
Founded in 2000, FUNIDE, in partnership with the Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión, supports 90 women in the Malguara community as they develop family agricultural projects, run small businesses, and manage savings and loan initiatives. Through their efforts, the women advance economic and social progress while promoting equity, justice, participation, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
In addition to income generation, FUNIDE and the Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión support emotional well-being and women’s leadership. Their approach blends capacity-building, collective decision-making, and ongoing accompaniment to create sustainable community spaces and practices.
“In our communities, we need someone who listens. It’s not only about financial support; many of us need a space to share what we’re going through. Being able to talk about it would already make us feel better,” said Angelica, participant of Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión and FUNIDE.
FUNIDE also promotes ecological conservation and sustainable local development in Intibucá, creating jobs, offering training, and supporting small enterprises.
“This commitment with ESPERA is significant, but it is also an opportunity for FUNIDE to continue strengthening women’s economic and social empowerment so they can transform their lives,” shared Concepción Godoy, Member of the FUNIDE team.
CPTRT and Las Mariposas
The Center for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (CPTRT), in partnership with Las Mariposas, works to prevent violence, defend human rights, and support women-led economic initiatives. Las Mariposas is recognized in the community for its work in emotional health, human rights, and local small businesses, particularly food production and sales.
Their goal is to foster relationships grounded in human dignity, tolerance, solidarity, and cooperation to build a society free of violence in Honduras. Mary’s Pence supports these efforts by providing financial resources for a lending pool used to fund 11 small business loans for women-led economic initiatives through a mutual support system.
Since its founding in 1995, CPTRT has advocated for human rights, working with youth, women, incarcerated individuals, juvenile offenders, social movements, the LGTBIQ community, and Indigenous communities. Las Mariposas members sell their food products through partnerships with organizations, at community events, and in public spaces such as parks, offices, community centers, sports fields, and schools.
CPTRT and Las Mariposas emphasize collective decision-making, community trust, and a holistic approach that integrates peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable economic practices. With support in business training, loan management, and recordkeeping, the group is well-positioned to expand its initiatives and strengthen women’s economic autonomy.
“Mary’s Pence’s support through the ESPERA Program gives the Las Mariposas group in Choluteca the opportunity to strengthen ourselves, grow, and take an active role in building a more just and supportive society for women, said ”Licenciada Alba Mejía, Director of CPTRT.
Looking Ahead
Both FUNIDE, through the Plataforma de Mujeres Grupos de Autogestión, and CPTRT, through Las Mariposas, bring experience, dedication, and a strong community presence to support ESPERA’s work in these new communities. They share ESPERA’s values: empowering women through economic autonomy and emotional wellness, solidarity, and promoting sustainable development. We are honored to accompany them on their journey to strengthen local organizations, women-led businesses, and communities across Honduras.