Promoter of dignity

Warmi Huasi centre founded by Sr Mary Neylon SSCI first met Andrea Garcia nine years ago when she took part in one of our training courses for Promoters of Non-violence in Peru. Now, she not only helps others to become aware of their dignity and human rights but is also the Co-ordinator of the government Glass of Milk Nutrition Programme, in her zone. A committed leader, she accompanies and encourages many in their daily struggles and problems. She tells the story of her birth forty one years ago, and her early years in the north of Peru. She had little time to study because of family needs. Her work in a restaurant began at 4:00am every morning. At the age of 15 she married Modesto and after a few years they moved from their native place to the Eastern Andean area of Tarapoto where again she had to labour from early morning until sunset in the harvesting of coffee for a family relative.

In the early 90s, the terrorism of the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Army was taking its toll throughout the area, and so she, her husband and young daughter decided to move again. This time to Huaycan, a desert area on the outskirts of the capital. They left the green fields, the rivers and lakes for the dry rocky hills of Huaycan - this was a real culture jolt, but they pitched their tent among the thousands of other displaced people, and little by little began to make a living as best they could.

Huaycan, Lima, PeruBefore joining the Women’s Centre for Development, also known as 'Warmi Huasi', Andrea admits to thinking that women did not share the same rights as men, that their place was to accept whatever abuse or violence came their way. Only gradually did she come to realise that things could, and should, be different. Women should have the same equal rights and opportunities as men! Now, Andrea is enthusiastically spreading the good news of dignity and worth to hundreds of other women. Andrea says, "I'm happy with my family and that I am able to reach out to others, especially to the many teenage mothers all around me.”

International Women's Day CelebrationThe Women's Centre 'Warmi Huasi' has been promoting women’s dignity, skills and the right to live without violence for more that 16 years. There is still much to be done, but whether you are taking a workshop, or running a course in the Centre, or an awareness-raising campaign, spirits are being renewed, and the commitment to justice, peace and care of ourselves, others and of the earth is being strengthened on a daily basis.

Hopefully the seeds of a more peaceful and wholistic future are being sown for the local people here in Peru.

Sr Mary Neylon SSC has worked in the Philippines, Britain and in Peru since 1989.
Workshop on violence prevention
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