A Story of Transformation: Meet Fermina

Fermina is from the Mayan village of EKPedz, in the heart of the Yucatán. In her community, women marry young—usually in their early teens—and once married, have little say in household decisions. Their domestic labor is undervalued, and violence in the home is common. The only jobs available—as a textile factory worker, or as a maid on the Mayan Riviera—are poorly paid and force women to choose between staying in their communities and earning an income.

But with support from a local organization called El Hombre Sobre la Tierra (HST), Fermina has found a third way. She first became involved with HST 6 years ago, when she participated in a sewing and embroidery course offered by the organization. A talented seamstress (she made the bag she is carrying in this photo), she learned quickly, outpacing her peers and exceeding the trainer’s expectations.

Although Fermina was shy and often reluctant to speak, HST staff saw her potential as a teacher, and encouraged her to participate in a series of trainings that would allow her to become an HST promoter.

Fermina was reserved at first, but slowly, she gained confidence. Today, she is one of the organization’s most valued trainers. She travels by herself or with male HST staff to communities several miles away—an uncommon practice for unmarried women in Mayan communities. But leaving EKPedz has broadened Fermina’s horizons, boosted her self-esteem, and given her the courage to take other risks. Last year, she began sewing and selling school uniforms to parents of local primary school students, and this year, she bought a semi-industrial sewing machine to keep up with her clients’ demands. Next year, she plans to build a workshop on a plot of land her father has agreed to give her.

The quality of Fermina’s work has earned her the respect of her community. But most important, becoming a promoter and an entrepreneur has given Fermina control over her own life and her own future—a distant dream when she first stepped into HST’s training.

EMpower has supported HST since 2006. We are currently supporting them to help 20 young women like Fermina launch their own micro-enterprises.