Perla De Oro 2 Group

Julia is 48 years old. When she was three months old, her father died; her mother was left with her and her siblings. When she was 7 years old, she began to work. She did laundry, washed dishes, and cleaned in the neighborhoods. At age 12, she began to work on a farm where she cut coffee and cardamon.

At age 17, she married her spouse, and they have seven children. With her husband, she started a business selling blouses and hats; she was making the blouses with wool yarn. 

She joined the "Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres Unidas por la Vida" when a friend told her about the Asociación, and together they started the group "Perla de Oro".

She has obtained five loans, investing the fifth in expanding her bakery, to buy flour, eggs, oils, sugar, and salt.

Julia is the leader of the group "Perla de Oro 2". The group includes five women, all of the Ladina ethnic group. They will invest 60% in agriculture, 20% in food, and 20% in retail sales. On average, each member has four children. The women's average age is 38 years. 40% are illiterate; 40% did not complete primary school, and 20% finished their primary education.  

In this group: Julia, Magdalena, María Andrea, Matilia, Olegaria Raquel

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerJoann S. View original language description.