Mujeres Movimiento: An Organization to Empower Women to Create Business Ventures in Sayulita
Mujeres Movimiento was created to provide a space for local women to gather and determine how they might better benefit from the tourism of Sayulita, Mexico. The women are constantly creating new projects. These projects are designed to provide educational and job opportunities, as well as much-needed services for the community.
I had the opportunity to talk with one of the co-founders, Kathleen Nicoletti, to learn more about the objectives of Mujeres Movimeinto and how to the organization is benefiting the community:
- What is the main objective of Mujeres Movimiento?
To assist local women in achieving their financial, educational, emotional, and health-related goals.
- What is the work you do?
Four years ago, the founders of Mujeres decided to build a women’s center that would, among many other things, provide a space for local women to work together to create small business ventures that utilize their local knowledge, skills, and talents. In addition, the women built a fútbol field, so that the local women’s team had a place to practice and play.
- What are some of your accomplishments?
Since the opening of the center, the women have established numerous businesses including an online Spanish language school that employs 14 women and serves 150 students, workshops for tourists, an alternative health clinic, an eco-bag business that has sold over 500 bags made by the women and, most recently, a thrift store.
- What has been most successful with the program and why?
Mujeres Movimiento is proud of our many achievements over these past few years. These achievements include but are not limited to the construction of a fúbol field for the women’s and children’s teams, the creation of an online Spanish language program, hosting an array of cooking and art courses for non-Mexicans, co-sponsorship of an English language program for local children with La Escuela Cooperativa de Sayulita, and a ballerina program for girls aged 6-17 years old. We believe our successes can be attributed to the hard work and commitment of all the women involved in Mujeres Movimiento.
- What are the future plans at this time?
Our plan is to continue to grow our current programs and open an affordable English language center where adults can learn English.
- Do you have a calendar of community events that we could share to create more participation and awareness?
We do not have a calendar but we do publicize our events on our website: www.mujeresmovimiento.com, on Instagram: mujerescentro, and on Facebook: Mujeres Movimiento.
- What could you say to people who visit Sayita in ways that they could help?
I would advise them to visit our website and sign up for an art, cooking, or Spanish class. They are also invited to make a donation to one of our many projects. Most currently we are in need of financial support for our English language program for children as well as our ballet program.
- What do you think is the biggest challenge right now?
Our biggest challenge right now is how to navigate during Covid. Although we were able to put our Spanish classes online, much of what we do is face-to-face. And this has, of course, been very difficult for everyone.
- What do you see as the strength of the Sayulita community?
We have accomplished so much in a short period of time because of the incredible sense of community and caring in Sayulita. Community members have been quick to donate their time, talents, and money, and we are forever grateful to each and every person who has supported our efforts.
To learn more or get involved, please visit www.mujeresmovimiento.com. Donations are not expected but highly appreciated to allow women to continue to create new projects, create new job opportunities, and build community programs.
Written/Edited by Amy Pearson
