In Awajún, in the province of Rioja in Peru, many women and teenage girls live in extremely vulnerable situations: domestic violence, poverty, isolation. 
To restore their confidence and offer them concrete means of empowerment, the Daughters of Charity have provided practical training workshops in baking, sewing and cosmetology, as well as essential psychological support. This enables them to learn a trade that generates income, so they are no longer solely dependent on their spouses.

Following the success of these workshops, the sisters launched the innovative project ‘Prove that you exist’, which aimed to provide training to women wishing to set up a micro-enterprise, in addition to the workshops.

The project ran from January 2025 onwards.

- Purchase of fabrics and materials for the workshops
- Purchase of a computer and sublimation machine for printing on fabrics and objects

- Registration of mothers and teenage girls for workshops: sewing, cosmetology, baking and pastry making
- Practical and theoretical training sessions led by specialised trainers and a business management and entrepreneurship consultant

Sr. Françoise, Superior General, visiting the Awajùn workshops

- Workshops on violence prevention
- Making polo shirts for children, women and men, aprons for children, bags and handicrafts
- Sale of handmade products (e.g. at the parish for Mother's Day).

20 women and 20 motivated and committed teenage girls at risk have become more independent. Around 200 people are indirectly benefiting from the project (families, neighbours, community).
Four women have already launched their own micro-businesses making sublimated polo shirts, generating income for their households.

The testimony of Sara García, 34, illustrates the impact of the project. Sara is part of the entrepreneurial group that makes sublimated polo shirts. She expresses her gratitude to the project and the donors. Thanks to training and the purchase of equipment, she and other women have been able to start their own businesses, generate income and consider opening a workshop.

‘The training centre continues to support women and teenage girls who are victims of violence by offering psychological support, economic empowerment and a chance to rebuild their dignity.
This project brings hope for healing and progress to the families of Awajún!’ Sr Aurelia