Much of rural Nicaragua continues to be a machista society, with women being constrained to traditionally women’s roles. CEPAD is trying to change that by empowering women and putting them in positions of leadership. Silvia is just one of the women leaders who is learning how to advocate for her community’s needs.

Silvia is also setting an example for the next generation, including her granddaughter. Silvia raised her two daughters alone. One of them got married and decided to look for work with her husband outside of Nicaragua. They left behind their young daughter, so Silvia is now raising her granddaughter, Abigail. Abigail has Down syndrome, and needs extra attention. Living in a rural area provides special challenges, but Silvia doesn’t let that stop them.

Silvia brings Abigail with her everywhere, including to all the community activities. She is teaching her how to stand up for her needs and is setting an example that women should be in spaces of leadership.

Silvia notes the changes she has seen.

“The community leaders are more united now. We want to develop our community. One of the activities we started doing is having cleanup days. It’s not something we did before, but it’s helping to keep our community trash-free now.”

Thank YOU for providing Silvia the chance to be in a decision-making space. To provide more women with this same opportunity, partner with us here.