Supporting Indigenous single mothers in Mexico

Nearly 60 % of the population of Huehuetoca, a city located in the State of Mexico, lives in conditions of urban poverty. Many of Huehuetoca’s residents recently migrated from rural areas where they used to make a living as subsistence farmers. Now in the city, they do not possess the skills that would allow them to find work and their situation often worsens. Unable to find work, most are unable to meet their family’s basic needs such as food and clothing. This turn of events leads to increased levels of depression, alcoholism and domestic violence, thus putting the children and women of these families in a very vulnerable position.

Indigenous women and girls who migrated to Huehuetoca are particularly vulnerable: historically, they have faced greater social and economic marginalization. Today, many are still monolingual, speaking only an indigenous language. Most have their first child before the age of 15 and go on to have large families, often without the support of the children’s biological father. This makes it even harder for them to access education, training, or secure employment.

To respond to the needs of these families, SOS Children’s Villages launched a Family Strengthening program in the city in 2018. Through this program, SOS Children’s Villages works directly with vulnerable families of Huehuetoca to empower them to effectively protect and care for their children in cooperation with local authorities and other community partners. Most of the beneficiaries that enroll in this community-outreach program are unemployed single mothers struggling to take care for their many children and/or grand-children. 

An important component of the program is an economic intervention that leads to the family’s attainment of self-reliance. Mothers are supported to find employment, and training in income generating activities is provided. One of the trainings provided in 2019 is training in textile printing techniques (silkscreen). Participants are provided with the skills needed to start their own business (i.e. technical skills, administration and accounting training) over a period of approximately 2 years. Within a few years, and thanks to their small business, many mothers are expected to reach financial independence and be able to afford their children’s education, healthcare, improve their home, and provide three meals a day for their children.

To further support these vulnerable mothers while they develop their income generating activity skills, the program offers daycare for their children. Parents also receive training in child’s rights, positive discipline, nutrition, leadership, and teamwork. According to the need, psychological support and counselling is also provided to family members.

Currently, the family strengthening program benefits 150 vulnerable families, most of them female headed households.

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