PROGRAMS: “Solidarity Bakery”

Several women in the area of Zaragosa had been selling baked goods. The oven was owned by someone who decided to move. When he relocated, the oven went with him. That ended the baking business.

Clearly undaunted, the core of bakery women gathered others interested in re-developing a business. With financing from Salvadoran Enterprises for Women, twelve women received training to expand their recipes and baked goods line, purchased an oven, display cabinets and a bicycle with a large basket to take breads to local markets—the usual means of bread and rolls transport in El Salvador.

Today, four groups of three women rotate daily schedules producing French and sweet breads, rolls and basic breads desired locally. When asked why the business is important, the women said, "What we learned will help us survive with the income we are generating. It will improve the daily food intake. We are favored socially and economically."