Sisterhood and circle of women from Central America

Mabilia Carolina Joj (IF'10, Guatemala) on February 4th, 2012

I have spent a week, since I have had the wonderful opportunity in El Salvador to meet my Central American and the Caribbean sisters graduated of iLEAP fellowship program in 2011 (Vane, Susana, Paola, Lidieth, Lucy and Patricia) and to see again my old friends Madeline, Agueda and Rocío graduated of iLEAP in 2010, I feel that link so special among us, each one with special characteristics. Every one radiated inspiration that leads inside.

There is a common phrase that says that poverty and suffering has a face of woman and unfortunately even in whole the world is so, but we can find too those strong women that arise (as says my dear sister Vanessa Siliezar – ……….powerful women) leader women struggling to change for better future for women, children. I am honored to be part of this circle of woman.

iLEAP has been in the distance of our countries, who made it possible to rediscover us and encourage us to continue our work not as individuals, if not as a new community of women making positive changes in the society in which we live, but it is not just fine words, the interest and support that we have received from Seattle International Foundation and iLEAP have played an important part, I have the conviction and hopeful that it is the beginning of something more.

Thanks our dear Izumi who was with us and helped to close this circle of two groups of iLEAP`s graduated, and also for all those who were not physically (Britt).

This week returning to my work I felt so full of life and encouragement to move forward and I want to share with all of you some pictures, women from Cruz Blanca San Juan in Guatemala, they were listening in her village bank the issue of domestic violence, one of them remembered and shared her own experience and shows that nobody is too old or young to continue learning, unlearning and changing, instead of difficult situations we can do the difference, I remembered you and why I do what I do.

Tags: El Salvador, Guatemala, Leadership, Mabilia Carolina Joj, Women