Many mothers separate from their spouses for various reasons which prevent them from being happy, and as a solution, they become independent to offer a healthy future for their children. This is the case for Catarina, who is 45 years old, and is a mother to 4 children (from 13 to 23 years of age) with whom she has had to move forward.

Since Catarina was little she was fatherless, and only completed primary school. From her youth, her mother and her worked in weaving of “huipiles”, or traditional blouses, and “fajas”, or traditional belts. 11 years ago, she become independent through this business, which includes selling complete traditional outfits.

Catarina counts on the support of her 3 employees to be able to deliver orders on time and offer quality products. She is seeking a Kiva loan to buy more traditional clothes and yarn. Catarina envisions having her own location in the future.

There are eight women who make up the Banco Comunal de Puente de Amistad “Rosas Xexac” (Bridge of Friendship Community Bank “Rosas Xexac”), speakers of the Mayan language K'iche and a little Spanish. The majority of the women work in the production and sale of traditional clothing. Each month, these women meet to make payments on loans and later participate in interactive discussions. This forms a part of the program “Microcrédito Plus” (Microcredit Plus) of Puente de Amistad. In the trainings they seek to empower women through topics relating to business, health, education, and family.

The lenders at Kiva are a fundamental part of the development of these women!