By Maria Guadalupe Medina Torres, 55 years old, IREHNA project participant, Mexico

I was interested in joining a WSG (women’s support group) because I was anxious and depressed. I was going through a tough time with my partner, who had made me believe that I was worthless.

I felt that the issues addressed by a WSG would offer a solution to the problem, help me better understand the situation, and make me feel freer.

In the process, I learned to better understand the underlying problems and find alternative solutions, such as talking to a psychologist. I learned to value myself and acknowledge that I am important, that I don’t need others to acknowledge me, but that it is me – myself – who must recognize my self-worth.

I became aware that I had allowed my husband to walk all over me for many years. I began a healing process and found the courage to do things I had never dared. I now feel much more confident in my actions and find enjoyment in what I do.

I see a different future, doing new things I’ve always wanted. I have projects coming to fruition and others that I know I’m going to achieve. I even have my own savings account and no longer need to ask for money.

For me, being part of a WSG means that I can help my companions advance in their lives and realize that they can become independent. I like to share my experiences so these women can see that they, too, can overcome conflicts and difficult situations, that there will always be a place to go, and people who support us to move forward and overcome our fears. I am a clear example of someone who gave herself the opportunity to heal and of how much there is that we can do for each other.

As for my partner, little by little, I’ve been able to overcome the situation because I’ve come to acknowledge my self-worth and better recognize the intentions of others. I taught myself to better understand them and what role they play in my life to make sure they don’t hurt me again.

Thanks to this, I have more confidence in myself and am much more independent, doing what I want and what I think is best for me.

Other people now ask me why I’m now the way I am. I explain to them that it is because I have more financial independence, I tell them that I am now in charge of my life, my time, and my money.

I have decided to accompany other women in their processes, through baking. I have already given three baking workshops in which I teach them how to make products that they can sell, how much they should charge, where they can market their products and every other aspect of my experience that might serve to help them along their journey.