In 2010, twelve women gathered around a table to share their visions and dreams for the future of Culebra, a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Each one had a project in mind to improve the livelihood of the 1,700 residents of the island, ranging from offering better healthcare for pregnant women and young children to rescuing an abandoned theater and promoting sustainable farming. The following year, they founded Mujeres de Islas (Women of the Island) to take their projects out of the paper and promote sustainable development for Culebra. Today, they positively impact the lives of many through initiatives such as community gardens, educational workshops, food distribution services, arts and crafts courses, and plans to secure affordable housing, as the island faces one of the country’s highest living costs. As a catalyst for community strength, Mujeres de Islas is a vital resource for fostering resilience and sustainability in Culebra.
The organization carries on educational programs to teach sustainable farming to children. Photo: Mujeres de Isla
With local women’s leadership, Mujeres de Islas operates with four full-time and eight part-time staff, supported by various volunteers. Their initiatives include a community kitchen that serves hot meals to around 60 people bi-weekly, workshops for pregnant women on health and prenatal care, and educational programs for children and youth on sustainable farming. The organization also supports the development of local businesses. Examples include a fisheries association that has boosted the island’s economy and an art studio that offers formal and informal education to all interested. Recently, Mujeres de Islas has been exploring ways to secure affordable housing on the island as rental prices have risen significantly due to the lack of regulations on short-term rental platforms for tourists. They also plan to create a land bank to repurpose vacant lots for community use. Through direct action, Mujeres de Islas ensures a sustainable future for Culebra and its residents.
Mujeres de Islas organizes formal and informal art workshops for the local community. Photo: Mujeres de Islas