By Danita Brisson
March is National Women’s History Month in Mexico. This year’s theme is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”: a perfect description of Mujeres en Cambio’s mission.
What began as a duty became a life’s passion for Pakina Langenscheidt. As her online bio explains: “In 1995, I helped found Mujeres en Cambio, along with a group of American women: Georgeann Johnson, Diana Negrete, and Zuzu. At that time, I was the president of DIF (Integral Development of the Family), because my husband, Jaime Fernandez was Mayor of San Miguel.” Pakina’s role was to develop family support initiatives. She considered programs for preschoolers, incarcerated women, and skills training to help mothers generate revenue at home. She and friend Georgeann decided to focus on just one goal - educating girls in rural communities. The Mexican public school system provides free education through the 6th grade. When prioritizing which children parents can afford to educate beyond that, many choose their sons. “We targeted girls from the poorest areas who would otherwise have no opportunity for higher education. Educating women is one of the best things we can do,” explains Pakina. Studies quoted on the group’s website identify the tangible benefits as:
The single biggest factor in reducing the mortality rate among children under five. Educated women are twice as likely to send their kids to school, establishing a precedent for future generations.
Longer, healthier lives. They are less likely to suffer domestic violence, or face discrimination or exploitation. Educated women are 66% less likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth. Improved social and economic well-being for them and their communities. Educated women invest about 90% of their income into strengthening their families and communities. They create better environmental outcomes than many green initiatives do and are vocal climate advocates. They improve climate footprints through smaller, healthier families. Pakina’s first step was to push for the establishment of middle schools in surrounding villages. Then to raise scholarship funds so that girls could attend these schools, Pakina and Georgeann organized monthly luncheons, and tea parties in elegant homes. According to the organization’s website, “They also created the Hooked Rug project, which taught village women a craft so they could earn money at home. Sale of the rugs raised money for scholarships. These initiatives were the genesis of Mujeres en Cambio,”
Thirty years later, they operate with 25 Board and consistent volunteers and 15 committee members. More are needed. There are no paid staff so the overhead, mainly professional fees, accounts for only 3% of revenues. Mujeres en Cambio commits to funding each participant for up to 10 years. It costs $86,000 mxn to provide tuition, transportation, supplies, electronics and school clothes for one student, from middle school through university. There are currently about 170 scholars receiving aid, so maximizing revenues is critical.
Each quarter, participants attend the Becas, or Scholarships events where they meet with Board members. “It involves the girls providing their transcripts to determine continuing compliance with requirements to receive the aid; specifically acceptable grades and documentation of enrollment,” says Barbara Wilson-Clay, English Community Communications Director. Students then receive an envelope containing their funding for the upcoming semester. Twice a year, the Becas include a luncheon and seminars, led by President Bárbara Salazar. Speakers address life skills topics such as financial literacy, healthy relationships and recognizing abuse. Interested parties are invited to observe the Becas held at the Instituto Allende at 11:30 a.m. on April 15th (for younger students), and 16th (for university students), June 17th and 18th, and September 9th and 10th.
A celebratory banquet marking Mujeres en Cambio’s 30th anniversary will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. also at the Instituto. Food, drinks, a silent auction, a raffle, and entertainment will be included in the festivities. Tickets are $2000mxn or $100 USD and can be purchased at La Conexion, Aldama #3 or on the website at mujeresencambio.org. Supplies are limited so act quickly.
It is worth noting that the volunteers organizing the party are underwriting many of the costs themselves, thereby maximizing the contribution to the scholarship fund. Good job, team! To date, Mujeres en Cambio has improved the lives of 3000 young women and their communities, one graduate at a time. By focusing on doing one thing and doing it really well, they are educating young women today, while inspiring generations to come.
For more information visit mujeresencambio.org.
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