History
Xilonem (Shee-loh-nem, named after the Mayan goddess of corn) was founded by Candida, the current coordinator, along with her friend Susy, the current training director. They started Xilonem to address the needs of women and children in Esteli. During their years as classmates in college, Candida, the current coordinator, and Suzy, the current director, had developed a strong consciousness of the problems that women and children faced in Esteli, such as violence, abuse, and health problems. They found funding from the Swiss organization Womens Space, and began their work with a broad survey to assess the community's needs. They obtained legal status for Xilonem and began their official work in 2001.
Mission
Contribute to a perspective of gender equity and the promotion and defense of sexual and reproductive rights, through the training of community advocates and the provision of health and legal services to women, youth and children, to construct new power relationships in the Department of Esteli.
Vision
Consolidate the Xilonem team, contributing to the transformation of values and behavior in the construction of new power relationships in women, youth and children, with gender equity.
Activities
Xilonem serves a variety of needs for women and their families in Esteli. Benefiting from a highly professional staff, Xilonem offers counseling, medical, and legal services for survivors of abuse, low-cost prescription drugs, public outreach on sexual and reproductive health issues, sexual health education programs in the schools, psychosocial programs for children and youth, and a program of academic scholarships and support for children.
The women of Xilonem have broad visions and high aims for the women and children of Esteli.
The following are some of their ideas for the future:
- Increase outreach and education in local communities, to improve understanding of gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, intra-familial violence, and legal rights
- Extend all existing services to more communities
- Expand their facilities to have space for large meetings and workshops
- Acquire a vehicle to facilitate community outreach
- Initiate a performance theater program, for public education and discussion on gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, intra-familial violence, and legal rights
- Develop more promotional materials
- Expand publicity and special event campaigns
- Develop a weekly radio address for public education
- Implement a job training program for the parents of children in Xilonem projects
- Acquire property outside of town to build an eco-tourism center and a large meeting hall, to generate income and support Xilonem's existing efforts - importantly, the new location will also serve as a safe space, away from town, for victims of abuse to find refuge and treatment
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