New Mexico Women's Global Pathways , a currently non-funded, non-profit was established January 2009 by African, Asian and American low or no income women and girls, the majority of whom are survivors of conflict and political upheaval. They have lost everything- family, home and health. Some are widows, refugees, victims of rape and torture. Our programs help girls and women receive the training and support needed to be self-sufficient economically, educationally, socially and become leaders in their own societies. The majority reside in the Greater Albuquerque area, including the International District, and are from Africa, Asia, The Middle East, Haiti, Mexico, Cuba and the United States.

Since 2009 NMWGP has provided free sewing, beading, gardening (since 2015) and English as a second language training to over 140 women, men, girls and boys. Of this number 50% own cottage businesses.

Mission of New Mexico Women's Global Pathways

Our mission is empowering the most marginalized populations of New Mexico including refugees, other immigrant local low income women, girls and their families, to attain self-sufficiency through education, economic development, and strengthened life skills, thereby addressing the social, economical, emotional and educational needs of their children. We are a New Mexico not-for-profit organization and an economic arm of the Immigrant Refugee Resource Village Of Albuquerque www.irrva.com

Our main focus is to build strong financial futures for vulnerable children, their families and communities. Many refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, local low income marginalized families lack the earnings, resources, assets or social support systems that are necessary to meet their needs to thrive well. The majority of participants in our organization were born and raised in refugee camps, come from impoverished countries or are born and raised in New Mexico impoverished communities that are disconnected from the economic mainstream. The latter includes the homeless and those on the verge of homelessness.

Micro-enterprise Development Program

This free program enables those hit hard by hardship to become financially independent by helping them develop capital resources and business expertise to start, expand, or strengthen their own business. The program seeks to provide training and technical assistance in traditionally inspired sewing, weaving, jewelry making, business plan development, management, bookkeeping, and marketing to equip participants with the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs.

Our Commitment

New Mexico Women's Global Pathways seeks to develop a comprehensive strategy to aid these families in securing adequate incomes, stabilize their finances, and accumulate savings. We seek to help families raise healthy, happy, strong and academically achieving children and reside in vibrant and economically sustainable communities.

Strategy

Secure funding so as to secure a ONE stop center. NMWGP seeks to create a sustainable program by training and hiring people who will create traditionally inspired garments, woven baskets, jewelry and other accessories for selling online to reach a global market. Onsite there will be a day care and pre-school to offer culturally sensitive and relevant programming to the center's participants.

Main Goals and Objectives

Children's Education: Change the conditions faced by refugee, immigrant and other at risk children by building a comprehensive network of support from birth into adulthood;
Early childhood development leading to reading proficiency by 3rd grade, high school graduation and pathways to meaningful employment;
Economic Development and training;
Participating and empowerment;
Promote gender equity;
Address homelessness among participating families
Develop Leadership;
Preserve customs and heritage;
Respect and embrace diversity;
Promote peace and understanding
Eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women;

NMWGP's Approach

Currently NMWGP free programming consists of a year long training that teaches women and girls social, educational, civic and economical rights. Free Life skills training offered to participants are in vocational skills such as sewing, weaving, beading, civic participation, decision making, health awareness, domestic violence awareness and leadership skills. They also learn business skills and gain access to income-generating activities, so that they can move toward self sufficiency economically.