Indigenous Women's Leadership Program

When you receive unconditional emotional support it is a very beautiful and special moment.

I was born in a small town; my life has been full of difficulties. When I was six months old my parents left me with my maternal grandmother. Despite the abandonment of my parents and the jealousy of my aunts and uncles for many years I felt happy and full of security, until the day she passed away. Then the whole world came crashing down on me. I felt dead inside because the person who always defended me was gone. She supported me and was the pillar of our home, regardless of what her natural children said about me, always told me I was loved.

I felt so alone when my aunts and uncles rejected me and kicked me out of my grandmother’s house. I couldn't understand what was happening, I even got angry and complained to God.  In that moment I felt that my life was ending, no one was by my side giving me the strength I needed. They all turned their backs on me.

I lived with pain and anger then I found an invitation on social networks from CDC to join a reading circle. The post talked of a time of sisterhood and openness, a time of blessing. I wrote to the contact person we met and she explained the purpose of the group. I felt encouraged to participate. I arrived at the first session very sad because I did not know what to say, I did not feel confident. I entered with a broken heart, distressed, full of insecurities and fear. We started reading “The Book of Forgiveness” by Desmond and Mpho Tutu. The readings and group sharing opened my heart. I felt that there were chapters that were based on my past and my present.

I am infinitely grateful to all the people who are part of CDC, we are more than colleagues; we are a family where you can talk, laugh, express your feelings, you can even cry and nobody judges you. When the pain really hits me hard, I have cried in front of everyone. It is easier now yet I feel that I still need to get rid of all that torments me in the depths of my heart, so I continue with the group.

In the process of reading, I feel that there is a new life. I have learned to heal a part of my heart. I took my children by the hand and told them that from now on the four of us are a family; dad, mom, son, daughter and together we will get ahead. I am more confident about my ability to face the situation with my extended family, scared at times, but I ask God to help. Being alone does not scare me now because I learned how much peace there is in it. It listens to you in silence, and shows you your courage, that courage that, before, you thought did not exist.

I am thankful for CDC, a place of welcome, spiritual growth, personal development, and healing.  I am thankful to all of you who support the mission of CDC to work with women and help them walk from pain to leadership.  

I hope that you can continue to support the program and tell your family and friends about the impact your gifts to Centro de Compartimiento are having on women in my community.