AUGE and quality of life in Veracruz

By Marie Chamussy Lesort

The concept of quality of life is a relatively recent one. It appeared during the ‘60s as a response to the growing interest in understanding human welfare and the impact of industrialization on society.

Many consider quality of life to be a very subjective concept and note that it must be defined from the perception of the individuals concerned. In addition to basic material needs, quality of life should include other factors, such as equality, freedom, security, health and happiness, among others.

While there has been an effort to define ways to effectively measure quality of life, it has not been an easy task. Despite an apparent lack of agreement among researchers about the definition of quality of life and less than optimal methodology for its study, the concept has undoubtedly had a significant impact on assessment and service planning in recent years.

Such is the case with AUGE, whose main objective is precisely to improve the quality of life of women in Veracruz. In the case of the microcredit and savings project, Groups of Women Saving in Solidarity (GMAS), various impact studies show solid evidence of a significant increase in self-esteem, autonomy, leadership and the ability of women to cope with problems and crises. These women now have better options for planning life projects, have more opportunities to participate in their communities, and make significant contributions to their families’ income.

The success of the project has led to substantial changes in gender relations both at home and in public. Additionally, youth groups and children’s savings groups have emerged, and even some men have joined the GMAS groups, convinced by the success that women have achieved. Women in the GMAS groups show more interest than nonorganized women in improving their education and supporting that of their children. They see hope for the future.

What’s more, participation in the GMAS savings groups provides an opportunity for the members to engage in a comprehensive training process called Network of Supporters. This group receives ongoing training in the areas of self-esteem, children’s education, relationships, migration, domestic violence, sexual and reproductive health, women’s rights, and savings and accounting, among others.

That being said, there is a recurring theme among the women interviewed: The most disadvantaged members of society have also been the most affected by an unequal distribution of wealth and the global economic crisis. It is harder and harder to maintain a decent quality of life despite their hard work and long hours.

AUGE remains in constant contact with all the members of the community. It is precisely this spirit of collaboration that permits them to truly understand the real impact of their projects. AUGE has learned to observe the the results of their work, all the while remaining critical, open minded and ready to better address the complex problems of our times.

Marie is a founding member of AUGE and currently the project coordinator. In 1988 she worked on the program Fomento Cultural Educativo in Cosautlán, Veracruz, México. The idea to found AUGE began through her work with women and children. Marie has a master’s degree in education and has been the force behind AUGE’s project Network of Supporters (Red de Animadoras).