In Brazil, women face inequalities and additional challenges in setting up businesses. For this reason the practical and emotional support provided by local collective groups, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, has been vital.
The seven women that make up the Casa Lilás group live in small, government-built apartments in a very poor part of the city of João Pessoa, in Northeast Brazil. In this area, violence is prevalent, particularly towards women, and illiteracy and unemployment rates are high.
The Casa Lilás group makes and sells handicrafts, ecological soaps and detergents, as well as natural medicines. With support from The Penny Appeal, the group sourced furniture, utensils and materials to grow their business. They also participated in training to improve the quality of their products, assistance with business planning and promotion.
This training has improved the group’s ability to manage their business and they now have access to a ‘rotating fund’: a small fund wholly owned and managed by the group to use as working capital and for other needs. This has increased their resilience to future crises, and has given them more ownership and independence over their finances.
A new way of working
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the women had to change the way they worked. The project supported the women and their families with food and hygiene kits, and they were able to adapt when restrictions started to lift.
This included working from home, and continuing online meetings with other local women’s groups, to exchange ideas and provide support to each other.
Meet Maria
Maria is 61 years old, a carer for her husband who is recovering from a stroke, and a long-term member of the group. She is a craftswoman who takes the lead in the creation and production of crochet, needlework and sewing crafts.
Maria says: “The solidarity and wanting to help people at this time of Covid has been really important. You have no idea how much [the food and hygiene kits] helped me and my family, especially as I had to choose between buying food or buying medicine for my husband. And it helped not only us but others who also needed help, because I shared with them what I could. The project has strengthened me and strengthened the group. We feel empowered, more determined, more confident and each of us helps the others without asking for anything in return.”