Thirty-eight Venezuelan migrants and host community women were trained to become entrepreneurs in the cosmetology world and reintegrate into society in Guyana. The training programme, in collaboration with United Bridge Builders Mission Inc (UBBM), supported migrant and host community women to improve their socio-economic integration, well-being, and self-sufficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“IOM has a strong commitment to protect and promote mental health of all community members, this project empowered these women to integrate into labour market. Moreover, women were encouraged to build relationships with their peers and strengthen bonds of solidarity and resilience that promote the union between migrants and Guyanese”, said Valentina Sologuren, Mental Health and Psychological support officer in Guyana. 

IOM Guyana developed the initiative ‘Promoting Socio-Economic Integration and Well-Being of Migrant Women Through Skills Training in Cosmetology’ to establish and strengthen solidarity networks among women, to promote community resilience resources, to link migrant women to Guyanese culture and workforce, to facilitate the expression of feelings, emotions, and thoughts through artistic and creative activities and to create safe spaces for Guyanese and Venezuelan migrant women.  

“They traded beauty techniques. The girls learnt from each other. It is a success story to the end,” said Bonita Montaque, CEO UBBM. 

The beauty of empowerment 

During the one-month course, the women had a safe space to express their emotions through creative activities while also enhancing their social skills, sharing their culture, building friendships, and preparing for work in Guyana. Now they are hoping to restore their lives.

“Currently I feel empowered because I feel that I am worth more, which strengthen my life, knowledge, and thoughts. I feel that I can be useful in something,” said Dayana Carrera, a Venezuelan woman graduated from the cosmetology course. 

“Now I have a new goal, which is to open a business and to become independent. I would like to have my own salon with some of the Guyanese women with whom I have created friendships”, said Ysabelith Guzmán, a Venezuelan woman. 

IOM and UBBM continue to provide support in growth opportunities and empowerment for the graduating women.