“I hope my children have everything I couldn’t have,” says Candelaria while preparing the food she sells in her business. Her determination and daily effort reflect her commitment to building a better future.

Candelaria is a survivor of violence. Forced to marry as a teenager, her life was marked by a lack of opportunities and violence from her partner. For years, she depended financially on her former partner, facing a continuous cycle of poverty and violence.

Her life began to take a different direction when she participated in the project Mujeres Tejiendo Vidas Libres de Violencia (Women Weaving Lives Free from Violence). Candelaria joined the project in the moment the needed the most help to overcome her domestic violent situation and it provided her with the tools to transform her life. “They reminded me that I have rights, that I am valuable as a woman, and that I can make my own decisions,” she says with determination.

With the support of the project, Candelaria started a vegetable business. “With the first transfer, I bought tomatoes, cabbages, and onions. I sold everything and reinvested the money,” she remembers proudly. Little by little, her business grew, diversifying into the sale of cooked corn, tamales to order, and other products.

Throughout this process, she has the support of her daughter, who sometimes accompanies her to training sessions. “She explains what I don’t understand and writes everything in my notebook,” she says gratefully.

Economic success is only part of her transformation. Candelaria has become an independent woman with her own dreams and goals. “I feel that my life has completely changed,” she affirms.

Candelaria continues to dream of a better future, not only for her children but for herself and her community.