«My Bathroom, My Pride»: Solidarity That Drives Change
The community of the Virgen de Fátima Women’s Entrepreneurs Committee in Luque celebrates a hard-earned victory fueled by effort and cooperation. Sonia Fátima Iglesia, with over 3,500 votes, leads an initiative that not only improves bathrooms but transforms lives. This contest, organized by Fundación Paraguaya, showcases how unity and determination can transform homes and overcome challenges. More than 200 women participated in this experience, 22 received national recognition, and an entire community discovered the power of teamwork.
The «My Bathroom, My Pride» Contest aims not only to renovate physical spaces but also to transform lives. This year, Sonia Fátima Iglesia, a member of the Virgen de Fátima Women’s Entrepreneurs Committee in Luque, achieved a milestone by becoming the national winner, garnering over 3,500 votes with the relentless support of her committee. Their reward? An all-expenses-paid trip to Camboriú, Brazil, for the entire committee.
For 11 years, this competition, spearheaded by Fundación Paraguaya, has encouraged hundreds of women to improve their living conditions, focusing on bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. The initiative is rooted in the Poverty Stoplight program, created by Dr. Martín Burt, which uses a self-assessment to identify multidimensional poverty, set achievable goals, and provide a solution bank to improve families’ quality of life and environment.
The impact of the Poverty Stoplight program is evident: it has given these women a tool not only to measure their progress but to empower themselves and become agents of change in their communities. Over 200 women participated in this year’s edition, with 22 receiving national recognition for their achievements.
The award ceremony, held at Sonia’s home, was an emotional event. Her newly renovated bathroom served as the perfect backdrop for the announcement of the prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to Camboriú for the entire committee. This recognition symbolizes not just a personal accomplishment but a collective celebration of effort, solidarity, and perseverance.
With this edition, «My Bathroom, My Pride» reaffirms its mission to transform homes and create new opportunities for entrepreneurial women in their fight against multidimensional poverty. This achievement is a powerful reminder of the strength of cooperation and the importance of working together to build a more dignified and equitable future for all.