This morning we woke up early for a breakfast of pancakes, tropical fruits, and fresh-squeezed orange and cantaloupe juice. We drove down the hills of Matagalpa to meet with the organized women’s group in Yasica Sur. They were inspirational in their efforts to improve the lives of rural women living in Nicaragua; they delved into the effects of machista culture on the quality of life of women. Some achievements made by the organization include establishing three local health centers, providing educational materials, and creating access to transportation and drinking water. The women involved take pride in their organization because of the recognition they receive and the empowerment that women feel because of them.
Being a female-dominated group made the experience unique and several of us had goosebumps after our meeting with the Organized Women of Yasica Sur. It also opened our eyes to the realities of women in the Nicaraguan culture and exemplified the power of women. As several of us are pursuing leadership-related careers, this experience was especially meaningful.
This portion of the trip was a favorite in our group, so I know that it will continue to be enjoyed by future study abroad groups.
