Since 2016, we have managed to replicate our project in 4 women's prisons: Barrientos, Nezahualcóyotl Sur, and Ecatepec, in the State of Mexico; and Santa Marta Acatitla, Mexico City, supporting more than 350 women.
100% of the participants say they have learned new skills in our workshops. We provide the possibility for women deprived of their liberty to support their families, with 142 people being indirect beneficiaries, of which 80% are daughters and sons of the inmates.
She says the programs keep them busy and keep them from getting into trouble.
He uses part of his income to meet basic needs inside prison.
They use part of their income to support their families.
Since they participate with La Cana, there is a 30% increase in their biweekly income.
“They have helped me become stronger in everything. They help you realize that you are self-sufficient. If I learned to knit, I can do anything I want.”
“Learn something new. I didn't know how to embroider. And I know that on the street it is a well-paying job, so when I get out I have something to do. I also learned to make the dolls.”
Report a feeling of improvement, whether related to your calmness, greater tolerance or creativity.
They mention having improved their relationship with their fellow inmates; they feel more social, patient and tolerant towards others.
They report having improved their relationship with their family/friends with whom they communicate or visit, as they consider that they have developed skills to communicate better.
She feels more motivated.
“It helps you have something to do, I get away from everything here, I get into my work bubble and that takes away a lot of stress.”
“You are more focused, it makes you see new qualities, you feel with personal achievements, you see that you contribute and are part of something. They give value to your work and that gives value to you.”
It is dedicated exclusively to production for La Cana, the remaining 33% report having at least one more productive activity, as well as school activities or activities related to improving their health.
The inmates' income increased after they started working in La Cana.
Of their total week, each inmate invests in the production of La Cana, which is equivalent to 7.4 hours a day; as well as an average of 5.30 days a week.
“It's the first time I've worked alone on something. It was always with my husband, now I have learned to do this alone. It makes me feel like I am capable of doing and achieving any job that is put in front of me.”
Of the inmates who participate in La Cana, they report receiving financial support from outside the prison.
The frequency with which they receive such support is 44% weekly and secondly with 28% they receive it biweekly.
The main people who provide this support are: 27% partner, 19% mother and 11% friends
“I'm different. You would have seen me when I entered that place… and if you saw me now that I came out, you would say to me: “What happened to you?” People outside are surprised to see me. I was little, like that [makes gesture with her hands] little. I'm telling you, a housewife with a husband who... who humiliated you, hit you and all that stuff and now an independent, super confident woman. Woman who wants to be a mom and dad. Obviously it's not easy, because I have my problems, but I can.”
“What happens is that the first and second year your family is with you, but then they leave you. They even change their cell phone and avoid you. Women are more ignored than men, which is why it is more important for us to generate money.”