Amalia welcomes us into her home, where she has built, with effort and creativity, her own sewing workshop. “I still can’t believe it,” she says as she proudly shows the covers for blenders, washing machines, and water jugs that she makes herself. This space, built with her hands and vision, is a symbol of her independence and determination.

Amalia, a survivor of domestic violence, is part of the livelihood recovery program of the Mujeres Tejiendo Vidas Libres de Violencia (Women Weaving Lives Free from Violence). This program provides comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations, offering them both economic and emotional tools to regain control of their lives.

Before joining the program, Amalia did simpler tasks like adjusting zippers or hemming clothes, with limited income. However, after receiving a cash transfer, she invested in raw materials and shifted her business: “With that money, I bought my first roll of fabric, spools of thread, and other materials. Now I don’t just do repairs; I also sell my own designs,” she explains as she sews a curtain that will soon be ready.

Her workshop, located in the backyard of her home, still requires improvements like electricity and a door. However, Amalia doesn’t stop: “I know that with my sales, I’ll be able to finish it.”

Amalia lives with her two daughters, who also form part of her support network. Her oldest daughter, 26 years old, works and provides financial support, while her youngest, 18 years old, is about to graduate from high school. This family bond strengthens her daily fight for a better future.

For Amalia, this process has not only meant an economic change but also a personal awakening. “I didn’t know I could do all this,” she admits with a smile full of pride. She actively participates in the program’s training sessions and says, “I want to keep learning.”

The journey has been challenging, but Amalia continues to move forward. “Sometimes I stay up late thinking of new ideas for sewing. I want to keep growing,” she shares. Her dream is to expand her business and open a shop outside her home, where she can display and sell her designs to more people. To her, her workshop is much more than a workplace: it reflects her effort, her independence, and her hope.