MARCH UPDATE WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN WOMEN´S HISTORY MONTH

This month, we highlight Amigos´ work promoting health and hygiene and providing economic development opportunities for women in Santa Cruz. Through our holistic approach, we educate and train women in topics relevant to their health, well-being, and rights to ensure they can make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives. Over the last 20 years, Amigos has been part of the generational change in Santa Cruz. We´ve helped women redefine gender roles and create their own opportunities. Young women are more empowered than ever, and for the first time, most of them have the possibility to study and find a job outside their homes. However, we still have a lot of work to do to achieve gender equality.

Artisans Make Reusable Menstrual Kits Promoting Menstrual Health & Hygiene

During the last two months, the artisans at Manos Cruceñas produced reusable menstrual pads as part of Amigos´ efforts to promote menstrual health and hygiene.  Many women in Santa Cruz can't afford to purchase sanitary products. Poor menstrual hygiene is not just risking women's physical health. It is also impacting their education, well-being and sometimes preventing young girls from reaching their full potential. Amigos´ reusable menstrual kits are a hygienic, economical, and environmentally friendly option to empower women in managing their period. Producing the pads ourselves allows our artisans to help women in their community and support their families. The reusable menstrual pads will be a great addition to the menstrual kits donated by Days for Girls, who have been working with us for years providing menstrual supplies in Santa Cruz. These menstrual kits will be delivered to women who participate in Amigos´ Programs for a symbolical contribution of Q10 ($1.28) to increase access to menstrual care and reproductive education.

Santa Cruz Supports Women-Owned Local Businesses The entrepreneurs from our Women's Empowerment Program and the Amigos team are working hard to expand their customer base in Santa Cruz. For the last few weeks, they have been in negotiations to supply their products to local restaurants and hotels to create a regular client base.  Partnering with other local businesses ensures that the women sell their products in large quantities and at a fair price, providing them with a stable income. Meanwhile, local restaurants and hotels acquire organic, locally-sourced, quality products and contribute to the development of Santa Cruz's economy.  For most women, these businesses are the first time they have a reliable income source to support their families, empowering them in their own homes and the community.  Thank you to all businesses supporting local women and improving the local economy! Watch our LATEST VIDEO to learn more about how the Women´s Empowerment Program has improved some of these women's lives.

New Campaign: Cervical Cancer Prevention In March, Amigos staff attended a workshop with Dr. Nidia Castillo from Tzununa´s Health Center to learn about cervical cancer prevention and early detection. The training is part of the preparation for Amigos’ new campaign to create awareness about cervical cancer and highlight the importance of preventive medicine.  Amigos are training our staff to ensure they have the necessary knowledge to replicate the workshop with women from the community and promote early detection tests. The lack of access to healthcare and information about women´s health prevents women in Santa Cruz from getting regular check-ups and find potential health issues before they become a problem. Amigos recognizes the need to educate women about these topics and create a safe space in our Sexual and Reproductive Education Program to ask questions and share their experiences with other women.  Stay tuned for updates on Amigos’ cervical cancer prevention campaign.

amigosdesantacruz.org info@amigosdensantacruz.org

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