What is truly amazing is the pride and self-esteem that develops. Now these women have some options to control their lives and can do something for their children. To supplement his income, Hernadez weaves cloth the color of jungle birds. The money earned by Hernadez provides more food for her family. Women are not only good credit risks, with a default rate of less than 2 percent, but the money they earn goes to improving their family's standard of living.
Women are the most marginalized, especially in poor societies.
Yet they are responsible for the family's food, shelter and education. Also, in Central America, a weekly gathering of women is considered harmless. A gathering of men could be interpreted as a dangerous conspiracy, for Guatemala is a Third World country, with both economic and social chaos. Because of the chaos, Global Partnerships' members feel they can make a difference. With no ties to government, the nonprofit can be independent and exact stringent accounting controls.