Candida moved to Esteli with her family in 1986. She studied social science at the National University, where she met her friend, and one of her future co-founders of Xilonem, Susy.
She also began working at the National Agriculture and Ranching University, running the library and giving classes on socioeconomic geography. She became the secretary of the workers' union and took part in a difficult struggle with the board of trustees over workers' rights. At the university one of her coworkers was Reyna Romero, who now works as Xilonem's accountant.
Candida recalls that these were difficult and dynamic times, with many confrontations in the defense of workers' rights. At that time Candida began to understand labor rights and women's rights. Candida notes that in giving birth, in domestic duties, and in working, women face a different situation from men. In 1995 Candida was fired from her job for problems with the board of trustees and for defending workers' rights.
In 1996 Candida began work with the Women's Collective of Matagalpa (a city near Esteli), in the library and as co-facilitator of educational workshops for children and youth. She participated in all of the activities of the Collective, including marches, debates, and forums. While there she received training in sexual and reproductive health.
In the year 2000, Candida and Susy initiated a study of women in the neighborhoods of Esteli. With that began their first study of violence, sexual abuse, and sexual and reproductive health in Esteli.
In 2001 Xilonem gained official recognition and began their formal activities, with funding from Women's Space International. Candida and Susy worked as coordinators, with Reyna as accountant, and another nurse friend.
Currently, Candida is in her last year of law school. She says that she thinks the best way to support women is with formal education. Over the past five years, she has also been trained in other specialties such as project development and evaluation, and graduate degrees for community teachers and criminal law.
Candida serves as Xilonem coordinator and as the Xilonem representative on the local and national Network of Women Against Violence.
Candida presented Xilonem's study on violence at the Fifth Medical Congress, a national research convention, where she won first prize, taking US$ 1,000 back to Xilonem.
Her vision for the future is to empower women, children and youth with understanding of self-esteem, sexual and reproductive health, and human rights. She wants to improve women's lives, prevent teen pregnancy, and prepare women and children to defend themselves in any difficult situation that they may face. |
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