300 women fill one of the halls in Santo Domingo’s Jaragua Hotel; mothers who are determined to make themselves heard; entrepreneurs, unafraid to be ambitious and succeed.
A day after the Queen’s visit to Diana Céspedes’ community and with the uproar that it was still causing, the room quiets down when Banco Adopem’s president, Mercedes Canalda, started her speech, “The first time I went to Tramojos in the province of Azua to meet Diana, I thought ‘What a great leader.’”
The “Licenciada”, as she is known, continues her narrative of how 10 years ago, Diana dared to apply for a 150-dollar loan for her organic banana plantation. She also mentions how her accomplishments, after years of hard work, are now making headlines in newspapers, TV news and radio programs.
For a second, the 300 women who filled the room dream of becoming like Diana. Until they realize that in one way or another, they already are.
300 women participated in an event celebrated by Banco Adopem for Mother’s Day
One of them raises her hand and shares, “I feel very thankful because when I approached Adopem, I was going through a difficult time. Thanks to them, I was able to move on.” She then encouraged the rest to bring down barriers, “Don’t be afraid. It’s very important to fight. Fight. If I was able to do it, it means all of you could. Fight for your children’s sake, for your family, for yourself.”
Her example inspires others to tell their stories. Stories of personal triumph, leadership… all of them have a moral lesson: a woman is able to do anything when given an opportunity. And all of them had one common goal: for their children to have better lives.
These female entrepreneurs have the support of the Foundation to advance their microbusinesses, to pay for their children’s education and to guarantee their future through savings.
My house was made out of Wood and now, thanks to Adopem, it has four floors. Besides, I have put up a school where I educate hundreds of children”
Near the end of the ceremony, another participant takes the floor, “My house was made out of wood, and now, thanks to Adopem, it has four floors. Besides, I have put up a school where I educate hundreds of children.”
Today is Mother’s Day celebration in the Dominican Republic and Adopem wished to honor all of these women who struggle, day by day, to progress, not only for themselves, but also for their children to be ambitious and succeed.