As we continue to celebrate and highlight the importance of women empowerment, we want to share stories of women impacted by CEPAD’s programs. One way that CEPAD empowers women is through constructing a Community Development Committee (CDC) with half of the committee being made up of women. Odylis is just one of the women working to raise their community out of poverty.

It’s so gratifying for my community and me to have CEPAD close. It’s an organization that motivates and empowers us as leaders to remain alert to what’s happening in the community, assess our needs, and advocate for projects that will benefit everyone. We also provide accompaniment to others in our community who are participating in CEPAD’s various programs. 

Odylis works with the rest of the committee to make sure those involved in CEPAD’s programs are implementing what they’ve learned. They sit and listen to others as they share any difficulties they have or advancements they’ve made to encourage them and ensure they have what they need to succeed.

The committee also works to advocate for themselves to local authorities. Odylis is currently advocating for road repair in their community.

I give thanks to God, because since my involvement with the program, I’ve seen advancements that benefit my community. I feel like I’ve created deeper friendships with other members of my community and local representatives. I know that the skills we have learned through CEPAD will allow our community to grow and get better every day. 

To empower more women leadership in rural Nicaragua, you can partner with CEPAD here.