MARES

Women Saving in Solidarity Networks

Through biweekly sessions, women—primarily mothers—find a collective space that empowers them to improve their quality of life by cultivating the habit of saving. During these meetings, they acquire financial tools and, together, learn techniques to enhance their families’ wellbeing.

The creation of solidarity savings groups aims to help women unlock their potential, overcome the barriers imposed by traditional gender roles, and strengthen their economic and social participation both within and beyond their communities.

In MARES, savings are accumulated through the purchase of shares, making each participant a shareholder. The groups independently determine the value of each share, and each member can purchase up to five shares per session.

The women themselves organize and manage the savings group, appointing members to five key roles: a president, a secretary, two accountants, a treasurer, and three key-holders. The key-holders are responsible for safeguarding the cash box, which can only be opened in the presence of all three.

These sessions have become a safe space where participants support one another, offering both financial assistance and emotional encouragement.

Loan and savings usage

From hard work to improved family well-being

The project includes a self-lending mechanism with low interest rates—set by the participants themselves—designed to provide tools that enable them to carry out projects aimed at improving their living conditions and those of their families. Additionally, the participants receive the profits generated from the interest on the loans granted.

17%

Household expenses

17%

Children´s School and expensess

15%

Food security

9%

Invest in self-owned businesses

7%

Health

7%

Home improvement

28%

Others

(Repayment of loans from other institutions).

«Today I am very grateful to the MARES group because I have learned so much—like how to live in harmony with others and how to save. Now I realize that I can become a better person. These past two years have taught me how to save even the little I have left after covering my expenses. The financial workshops have also helped me understand how to manage my money more wisely»

–Participant from the Women United group, Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca.

SABINA

Participant in Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca, is an inspiration to her group mates.

At the beginning of his participation, he was often late to meetings and displayed a certain level of distrust. However, over time, he gained confidence in his group, showing greater discipline and self-assurance.

She used her first loans to sell flip-flops, hair bows, and candy. Little by little, her business grew into a grocery and bakery store. Today, thanks to the trust of her peers, Sabina serves as the group’s accountant—demonstrating not only her dedication, but also the recognition of her leadership.

Healthy families, healty water

Before the savings sessions begin, participants receive training on integrating family eco-techniques for vegetable cultivation, an introduction to entrepreneurship, healthy cooking practices, and support in developing gray water filters—all aimed at promoting food security and improving the nutrition of women and their families.

«I learned many things with the workshops on how to use the vegetables and the gray water filter workshops I am very grateful, because now I have my vegetables at home »

–Participant of Women Entrepreneurs group in Cuatro Milpas, neighborhood, Oaxaca.