A trace of nail polish can be seen in María Félix’s hands, while she shyly shows us the results of her first mammogram: negative. She tells us that, thanks to God, everything went well for her, the same with the ultrasound and other medical exams.
At 44, María Félix had never had a complete gynecological check-up before. Her life, efforts, and energy revolve around her role as a mother and a saleswoman. According to her, she has been selling food items in rural areas of her native Matagalpa (north of Nicaragua) for 12 years. “I started selling a bag of candies and cookies, then I bought chocolates, and now, I carry everything from cell phones to rice. Whatever people order from me, I buy it, I go by bus and take it to them,” she asserts.
María Félix is one of the 50 women who were selected by the Women and Economic Development Foundation (FUMDEC), to receive health benefits (a free medical check-up and exams), 30 more improved the infrastructure of their small businesses and 50 more received biosafety kits (aprons, hats, alcohol, and masks), in addition to training on various topics.
“Working hand in hand with FUMDEC, we were able to implement this Entrepreneurial Woman, Economic Recovery and Wellbeing project, which has a series of components, including self-esteem workshops, a gynecological health bonus, training in financial education, safe housing, and business management,” told us Nancy Arostegui, Program Manager for Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua.
One of those women was María Félix, who despite not knowing how to read or write, has been working with FUMDEC for many years, accessing small loans to grow her small business. Nowadays, she is one of the best clients.
Home improvements, a blessing
All training workshops were well received by women, who recognize the importance of knowledge to improve their economic conditions and grow. However, the other component that brought more smiles to her face was a business improvement. Marlin (34), who resides in a neighborhood of Matagalpa and sells used clothing and steel jewelry, told us about the change she saw in her small venture.
“Here, they fixed the facade and the sidewalk of the house, and honestly I would not have been able to do all this on my own. See how beautiful my business turned out, now clients come and tell me how beautiful my house is. I am very grateful to you and to FUMDEC”, Marlin told us, who now has a better-equipped space to welcome her clients.
“For FUMDEC, the relationship with Habitat means having a strategic partner to empower women, because we are impacting their lives by improving their homes and their business ventures, educating them on early detection of cancer. Through the loan groups methodology, FUMDEC provides access to microloans and training on business management, gender identity, and violence prevention. Both organizations are committed to women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and the recognition of women’s contribution to the economy”, said Marlene Rodriguez, Executive Director of FUMDEC.
