Meet Jacqueline Muñoz, mother and farmer

Meeting Jaqueline is to discover a story of strength and transformation. Her involvement in our human development and farming program has contributed to her transformation from being a woman who felt trapped in her life, to the life she now leads. In this story, she reflects on her newfound self-esteem. She has overcome economic and social barriers, difficulties in her family, and in the Troilo community where she lives.

“My name is Jacqueline Muñoz, I am 41 years old, and I am originally from the community of Troilo. I live with my husband, Álvaro Artola, and we have two daughters: Karla, 18, and Dana, 8. I come from a large, dysfunctional family with a culture where women are expected to dedicate themselves to housework.

When I married my husband, I felt the need to support him. I didn’t see how I could be useful, nor did I have any idea how to earn an income on my own to help us cover household expenses. That period of my life was difficult; I felt trapped and suffocated by the lack of financial stability.

In 2015, thanks to my participation in the Human Development Training (HCT) program at ViviendasLeón, I became empowered. I learned to have a better sense of self-esteem, and above all, to involve my family in decision-making alongside my husband. I began to feel useful because it changed my perspective.

That same year, I learned to grow vegetables at home. Before, I only grew traditional crops like corn and wheat. Now, with agricultural technical assistance, I harvest vegetables and make organic products to combat pests and diseases. Currently, I am harvesting scallions, carrots, cabbage, radishes, tomatoes, and more. During periods of good production, I sell the surplus of my vegetables, and I use the rest for my family’s food.

The challenges and obstacles faced by rural women in our communities are not easy, but with VL’s support and the commitment each woman brings to our sustainability programs, positive change in our lives is possible.”