REMO

Sometimes you just catch a glimpse into another world if you just let go. We were too busy taking in the beautiful setting of Isla Ometepe to bother with anything. So it happened that we missed extending our reservation at Maria’s.
After our wonderful evening et Zopilote, it had gotten pretty late when we ventured out to find a place for the night. After a short walk, we were happy to stumble upon Hostal Espirales. Besides carrying our backpacks, we didn’t mind walking at night because we heard that Isla Ometepe is very secure and one does not need to worry too much.
While talking with the employees, we once more realized that the concept and level of safety are very different for tourists and locals, especially for women. Abuse, gender bias, and machismo culture are severe problems for Nicaragua’s women. However, REMO has taken on the challenge to fight violence and gender bias. The island’s women organized and started a social business. REMO aims to empower women through prevention projects and the creation of economic prospects.
Nicaragua, one of the poorest in the countries has made significant improvements over the last 5 years regarding gender equality. According to the Global Gender Gap Report, Nicaragua has even become one of the countries with the smallest gap in the world. However, the picture isn’t that rosy. A Gallup study recently found that less than 50% of women feel like they are treated respectfully. Violence against women and the active machismo culture still persist.
REMO stands for “Red de Mujeres de Ometepe, “ which translates into “Women’s network Ometepe.” Founded by the island women, the social business focuses on supporting women who suffer from abuse. Their projects – Hostal Espiralda being one of them- aim to create prospects for an independent future.
Today, the organization consists of over 60 women. Starting on a volunteer basis, the women followed their intrinsic motivation to create a better future. With their hope and dedication, they were able to establish a sophisticated network, even a social business. Together, the women contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development on the island.
The hostel provides employment to women who suffered from abuse. It’s a chance at generating an income and becoming more independent. On top of that, the Hostel offers a location for weekly movie nights or other events. REMO does not just aim to improve the income situation of women. Their projects extend beyond that. They want to help improve daily and social life.
After overcoming some initial difficulties, Isla Ometepe’s women successfully cultivated farmland. The properties are now either rented or used for self-catering. The creation of those “gardens’ also serves as an environmental education class. Women learn to love and appreciate the soil and inevitably pass this sense of responsibility on to their children.
Isla Ometepe‘s strong women have already come a long way. Now it’s on us to keep the eyes open. Women and girls want to break free from the rigid gender roles.
Tourism creates new opportunities and prospects, especially for women. Today, many women cooperatives are springing up all over Nicaragua to fight the still active machismo culture.
We are privileged females with the chance to visit amazing countries. We are free to form decisions independently. To empower other women across the world, we should look out for and support other women. May it be by spending a night, purchasing from them or kind words.