Many Bolivian women face a harsh reality: trapped in cycles of abuse, struggling to raise their children and left with few choices. This vulnerability often leads to unthinkable outcomes, like human trafficking.
Marlene* is one of these women. After years of abuse and being held back from her dreams of getting a degree and owning a business, she left her partner. As a single mother of two with no child support, Marlene worked long hours in fields and driving trailers, until a near-fatal car accident showed her the dangers of the job. Unfortunately, while searching for safer work, she was deceived and trafficked to Bolivia’s western region.
For years, Marlene was trapped in sexual exploitation far from home. Fear overtook her when a friend from the brothel was murdered. Bolivia has one of the highest femicide rates in the world; every three days a woman is murdered, and women in prostitution face an even higher risk. Paralyzed by fear, she determined to find a way out. She began learning to sew and sold her creations at local markets, often with her daughters by her side, putting them at risk for trafficking. Then the pandemic hit, and everything came to a standstill; Bolivia imposed a strict lockdown that severely impacted the informal economy. But Marlene sold homemade masks and essentials from home to survive. Despite her struggles, she opened her doors to two women from her hometown who had also experienced exploitation, sharing what little she had.
One day her phone rang. "Hello, this is Casa Esperanza.”** Marlene had rarely shared her phone number, but remembered giving it to Project Suma staff. The call came at just the right moment, providing food and support for her family and friends. "I felt God saying to me: 'You've fought with your own strength, but I am here to fight for you.' Tears streamed down my face. The person on the other end assured me, 'Our Father led us to call you,’" Marlene shared.
Through virtual workshops, therapy and training from Project Suma’s programs, Marlene began healing and dreaming again. She joined SutiSana, a social enterprise for survivors and discovered a passion for designing clothes. With a microloan provided by Project Suma, she purchased sewing machines to start her own clothing line, with hopes of providing affordable clothing for low-income families.
“The only requirement [to be part of Project Suma] is to want to change.”- Marlene*
Her daughters, Sara* and Iris,* once vulnerable to trafficking and abuse, found hope and joy through the Children’s Program. They developed leadership skills and joined a group raising awareness about human trafficking. They also grew closer as a family, healing strained relationships through support from Project Suma.
"What I admire most about my mom," Sara shared, "is how she makes the impossible possible and has friends everywhere."
Today, Marlene is not only building a clothing business but also shaping a brighter future for her community. She recently shared her story at an international forum hosted by Project Suma, advocating for an end to trafficking. Her daughter Sara is now studying nursing and volunteering in the Children’s Program, while Iris enjoys creating reflective TikTok videos and dreams of attending university.
These stories of resilience and transformation are possible because of your support. Your generosity helps create spaces where families like Marlene’s can heal, thrive and dream again.
*Names changed to respect our friends and their privacy.