8 de Marzo

March 25, 2008

Yesterday was the first day of actually doing some real hands on work. I got to volunteer at the pasta factory that is ran by all women. I got to talk to the ladies that worked at the factory and they showed me what the factory looked like when they first started out which was 25 years ago. The name of the factory is “8 de Marzo” which is also international women’s day. What started out 25 years ago as a made by hand business has grown into a thriving local business. I thought it was amazing how far these women have gotten considering that this was all done in a developing country.
They showed us around the factory and showed us how and what all the machines where used for. Most of the work such as packaging and sorting out the pasta was all done by hand. As far has making the the pasta, which is made by using machines, most of the work is still done by hand.
I got a chance to speak with Santiaga and Gabriela who are sisters. I was shocked to learn that they had 16 brothers and sisters and they each had a big family of their own. This experience was powerful for me as a woman and i feel that both men and woman should have the opportunity to feel such empowerment.

- Winta