The Toughest Job in the World

It is said that being a mother is the toughest job in the world, and that statement is not without its merit. Raising a family can be very demanding, the sleepless nights, the endless responsibilities, the financial strain. It certainly is a challenge. However, for rural mothers in Colombia, it can be even tougher. With limited access to education and job opportunities, many rural mothers struggle to provide for their families and give their children the future they deserve.

According to official sources, there are approximately 5.6 million rural women in Colombia, and the majority of them are heads of households. These millions of women are faced with circumstances that make their job of being mothers much more difficult. In fact, only 35% of rural women have completed secondary education or higher, compared to 50% of rural men. This lack of education makes it difficult for them to secure good-paying jobs, provide for their families, and give their children the opportunities they need to succeed. To make matters worse, the jobs that are available to rural women are often informal and low-paying, such as domestic work, agriculture, and retail. These jobs don’t offer social security benefits or stable income, which makes it hard for these mothers to plan for their futures and provide for their children’s education and health needs.

Despite these challenges, rural mothers in Colombia are incredibly resilient and hardworking. They do the impossible to give their children a better life. It is out of admiration and respect for these women that we, at Floréal, have committed to making a positive impact in the lives of rural mothers and their environments by opening our doors to new families, supporting growth, and investing in the future of the communities in which we operate.

We know the importance of empowering women, particularly mothers who are often the backbone of their families and communities. Providing professional and personal growth opportunities and supporting the independence and economic empowerment of women, especially those who are heads of households, is our foundational policy. We are proud to say that 60% of our organization is composed of women, including mostly rural mothers.

We know the importance of empowering women, particularly mothers who are often the backbone of their families and communities. Providing professional and personal growth opportunities and supporting the independence and economic empowerment of women, especially those who are heads of households, is our foundational policy. We are proud to say that 60% of our organization is composed of women, including mostly rural mothers.