Our Women
We care about the women of Mozambique.
By learning how to crochet, our women have an opportunity to improve their lives and empower those around them.
Telma
At only 21 years old, Telma is a determined worker and a loving mother of her first child, Joel. The back pain that she endures makes farming impossible, so making the capulana bags gives her the ability to enjoy the work she does without pain. This is her and her family's only source of income as her husband quit his job so he could take care of her. She is very thankful for this opportunity and sees it as a gift from God. Telma appreciates that this has given her a way to support herself, and notes that if other women want to help their families, Athiyana will teach them how.
Adelight
Agira
Agira is 19 years old and already has an incredible work ethic. She undergoes an exhausting walk in the African heat just to get to work and make bags to provide for her family. Agira doesn't farm, so making the bags is her only source of income. Agira is currently living with her husband, son, and in-laws. She says that making capulana bags for Athiyana brings her immense joy. She is hoping to one day build a new house for her family with the money she is making from selling the bags. Agira, though young, has great ambition for the future.
Unlike most of the women, Adelight is completely alone. She has no parents, husband, or children. Although she struggles with the recent and heartbreaking loss of her only child, Adelight remains grateful to wake up every morning and see another day. Adelight also has her own business, purchasing wine and selling it to the community, that she runs with the income she is making from Athiyana. Despite the suffering she has endured throughout her life, Adelight is looking forward to how the opportunity working for Athiyana is going to unfold.
Regina
Regina is 18 years old and recently married. Making capulana bags is her only source of income, although she plans to help her husband raise chickens in the future. Regina stopped going to school after grade 7 because her husband forbade her to continue studying. It brings Regina great joy to put her skills to use and gain a reward for her hard work. Regina's gentle spirit helps her create beautiful and unique bags.
Mariamo
Mariamo has eight children, and has been married twice. She uses a portion of the income she makes to purchase medicine for her children when they are ill. Sadly, Mariamo is sick herself with a heart condition, making everyday activities a challenge. She is an extremely sympathetic woman, always wanting to help others before herself.
