YWCA opens a center for women to sell products

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has a long documented history of implementing programs that advance women issues while educating marginalized sections of that gender. It’s most recent initiative involves self employment opportunities. With the help of the European Union and the government, a building was constructed to host a market outlet. The facility cost fifty thousand dollars but women from villages across the country can now sell their wares and make a profit at the YWCA center at the corner of St. Thomas Street and Freetown Road.

Sonia Linares, General Secretary, YWCA

Sonia Linares

“Rural women and youth and also students of the YWCA will be able to market their product. It’s one of the areas that the YWCA has been working over the years trying to find avenues to help women to market their product. In doing so, it will help women to be able to sustain themselves and their families.”

Jose Sanchez

“The women; where are they from? How far have they traveled?

Sonia Linares

“We have women as far as Toledo. We have Stann Creek, Sittee; we have some from Cayo district and some from Belize District.”

Jose Sanchez

“What sort of products are they making to sell and is it something that will be done daily at the variety outlet?”

Sonia Linares

“As soon as the women produce a product, they will be able to come to the Y and we will be able to assist them in marketing. One of the areas we’ll be looking at though is the whole idea of producing product that will be marketable in a way that they are at a high quality. We will be doing training for these women also in business development and that will assist them to market their products at a good quality.”

Jose Sanchez

“So this will be from Monday to Friday, every day people can come?”

Sonia Linares

“Yes from Monday to Friday from eight a.m. Right now we have a variety of products. We have: chains, necklaces, specially designed aprons, flowers, cakes, Johnny cakes mix—you name it and it is here at the YWCA. It is a place where you can come if you want to purchase an item as a gift, you can find it right here at the Y right now. And it is important to know that when you purchase an item from the outlet, it is helping women to help themselves.”