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Nueva Vida
 | | Ruth Mena |
In 1998, Hurricane Mitch left an aftermath of heavy destruction in Nicaragua and other parts of Central America. Many poor families lost their homes due to flooding and were relocated. This was the beginning of the women’s cooperative Nueva Vida FTZ. The families of the women who now make up the cooperative were relocated to a new urban area called Nueva Vida, or New Life, just outside of Managua. Conditions were difficult, with few services, extreme poverty, and 80% unemployment. In an effort to combat unemployment, some of the women of Nueva Vida came together to form a sewing cooperative and have now developed a successful worker owned and operated sewing and garment manufacturing cooperative.
In Nicaragua, there are many free trade zones where factories produce garments and other products under “sweat shop” conditions, where long hours, low pay, and unacceptable working conditions prevail. Nueva Vida was able to establish the first ”Fair Trade Zone” (FTZ), providing just pay, fair working conditions and worker control of the workplace. The road hasn’t been easy. The original group of co-op members mixed cement, dug post holes and for over two years gave their work to help construct the co-op’s building. Through the help of organizations like the Center for Development in Central America (CDCA) and Maggie’s Organics, the cooperative was able to secure a loan to purchase building materials and sewing machines, and develop sewing skills by fulfilling small orders. Through hard work and perseverance, the members of Nueva Vida FTZ have overcome big challenges and are creating sustainable employment to support themselves and their families.
Wearing clothes made by Nueva Vida FTZ feels extra good, knowing the high quality, soft cotton garments are made by women who are earning fair wages, making their own decisions, and empowering themselves and their community.
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| Now the men help - they support the women. This is a change in the mindset. Now they praise our work; they ask what they can do to help. The basket making brings the family together – the husband, the wife, the children. - R. Mangai - SHARE, India. |
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