We are proud to support extraordinary organizations promoting gender and racial justice in Puerto Rico.
This is the first grant that Aula Comunitaria Puerto Rico has received from a foundation, and we are very excited that it is from the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico. The project to be supported will provide a unique and historic opportunity for menstruating people from the Puerto Rico archipelago to have an educational tool to navigate the menopausal transition in a dignified manner, unmasking the taboos and stereotypes promoted by the patriarchal, consumerist, ageist, racist culture, transphobic, and fatphobic at this stage of our lives.
– Aurinés Torres Sánchez, EdD, MPHE, Popular Educator on Health
Results
We selected 10 organizations throughout Puerto Rico that work on a diversity of topics with the following goals:
- Reproductive Justice: Popular education on reproductive justice that encompasses menopause, comprehensive sexual education, obstetric violence, advocacy for the right to choose, and an intergenerational perspective on women’s reproductive health.
- Economic Justice: Enhance the institutional infrastructure of selected organizations to promote their sustainability and growth, especially those that traditionally receive less philanthropic funding.
- Gender and Racial Justice: Research project investigating the effects of racism on young Afro-descendants in Puerto Rico.
The Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico is notable for its investment in emerging, community-based organizations across the island. These groups are led by individuals who are directly connected to the solutions needed in their communities. They provide services, advocacy, and support specifically for women, girls, and the gender expansive community in Puerto Rico.
Grantee-partners
We honor the leadership that tackles significant challenges while working with the most marginalized communities in Puerto Rico. Above all, we uplift their voices:
For us, receiving the Economic Justice grant from the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico for the first time means hope and momentum. Although we have 78 years of experience, we have suffered the impact of setbacks made by the conservative sector in public policies. Additionally, the limited funding opportunities to subsidize sexual and reproductive health services, along with the beginning of a four-year term, appear to be devastating for human rights. Having other feminist comrades from philanthropy and allied organizations shows us that there are many reasons to continue the legacy.
– Enid Pérez Rodríguez, Executive Director, PROFAMILIAS
This is the first time we have received a grant from FMnPR and the first time we have received operational funding for the foundation. We feel proud, but above all, this achievement represents validation and support. For us, it is very significant that a foundation with the history and work of FMnPR has chosen us. It means they value what we do, understand that our work is necessary, and wish to provide us with the tools and resources for True Self to have longevity. Working with stigmatized communities in Puerto Rico is very necessary but very complex, as philanthropy is very conservative and privileged, and funds usually do not reach work with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity communities: it is truly a relief to have the support of FMnPR.
– Miguel Vázquez, Executive Director, True Self Foundation
The support of the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico has been essential to facilitate free access to Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), with emphasis on Reproductive Justice, integrating the adolescent population, one of the most vulnerable to sexual violence and its consequences, since their sexual and reproductive rights are minimized and constantly hindered. Taboo, hypersexualization and ignorance regarding sexual and reproductive rights prevail in the Puerto Rican archipelago, and the repercussions on individual, collective and public health are evident. Our adolescents and young people need to have access to planned, oriented, in-person and safe CSE spaces to confront the systematic violation of their rights by the state, families, schools, the health system, religious institutions and the media. It is essential that they have access to the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to make informed and responsible decisions that allow them to act in favor of their own safety, enjoyment, well-being and future.
– Karla Ferrer, WetJustice
The economic, educational, and technical support from the Fundación de Mujeres has been essential for the operation and growth of the Gender Equity Observatory in Puerto Rico. Thanks to their backing, we can continue monitoring and analyzing the living conditions of women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ individuals on the island, and generate accurate data to support effective public policies.
– Stephanie Figueroa, Executive Director, Gender Equity Observatory in Puerto Rico
The Alianza Mujeres Vieques recognizes that investing efforts as a collective in education about sexuality, sexual health, and reproductive health for women in Vieques throughout all stages of life will bring them closer to empowerment and equity. This is consistent with our organizational goal of empowering women through an intergenerational and intersectional approach. The Reproductive Justice Fund will allow us to expand the community women’s education initiatives we have started and develop activities to educate young women and their families (mothers, fathers, and caregivers), members of AMV, and members of organizations and diverse communities about sexuality, sexual health, and reproductive rights. The FMnPR grants have allowed us to reconnect (in pairs) to continue the community women’s work journey that began 25 years ago. It is a privilege to continue serving women and the community now alongside a group of young leaders committed to the well-being of their Home: Vieques.
– Judith Conde Pacheco, Alianza Mujeres Viequenses
The support of the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico has been fundamental to our mission of transforming lives. With this second grant, our organization not only strengthens its capacity to provide essential services to women and children fleeing domestic violence, but also takes an important step towards sustainability and growth.
– Gloria Vázquez, Casa de la Bondad
In a country where the actions and inaction of the State demonstrate little interest in the health and lives of women, the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico has taken on the task of directing their resources to care for those who care for others. They approach this work with understanding and solidarity. Caderamen has had the Foundation’s support since we responded to the emergency caused by the earthquakes in 2020. They have accompanied us in growing as part of the third sector and have supported us in achieving the goals of our strategic plan, such as reintegrating the arts as an educational strategy and expanding our services to younger populations.
– Tania M. De Jesús Laboy, CADERAMEN
Intersectional work that faces the greatest challenges in our times
The selected grantee-partners operate in a wide and diverse range of thematic areas, including reproductive rights, comprehensive sexual education, feminist activism, anti-racism, research, gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and education on intersectional activism.
Given the political environment that seeks to limit human rights and considering Puerto Rico’s vulnerability to climate disasters—and what that means for these populations—it is crucial for these organizations to focus on sustainability and ensure they have the necessary resources to continue their work.
To address this, we are not only providing funding but also formalizing a training program based on the needs identified in collaboration with our partners. Through a development and strengthening questionnaire, we have gathered insights that help us understand the operational areas where they require additional support. This approach enables us to invest time and resources intentionally and tailor them to each partner’s specific needs.
Follow us to learn more about their work!
As we support one another on the journey toward equity, we celebrate their vision, passion, and dedication. Throughout January, we will share their stories and challenges on social media, showcasing the significant impact of their work. Don’t miss out!
