Rosita Lafleur

My dream as a woman entrepreneur

My experience at Gender Links has been enriching. I really liked communicating with other women. At this training, I learned to know many women who were in the same situation. This training helped me understood that I can become independent. It taught me not to rely on anyone. For example, if my husband does not want to give me money, I can work. It also encouraged me to work and save my money. I started my training in 2014. I went to all the three phases of this course. It was very interesting. Now, I know many things about businesses. For example, now I know how to do a business plan. I was very satisfied with myself at the end of this course. During this training, I worked at the hotel. I attended courses, then go to work. For the time being, I am a sales agent at Moura Enterprise. I have not started my business yet. I did not obtain the proprietor’s approval yet. It is very difficult for me. The proprietor is very reluctant to give me the permission. I was a victim of violence. My husband was very aggressive and violent. I had to leave him. It was very difficult for me to endure all this pain. Though I have not started my business yet, I am working. I work in a hotel known as Telfair Resort. This job has helped me become independent. When I started working, I had to do night shifts. I was very afraid to leave my children alone. I finally decided I had to do so. I believe that if a woman work, she can stop violence. She becomes more independent. This offers less opportunity for her husband to beat her. I am now no longer a victim of violence. This made my children very happy. They were also very affected. My children sometimes did not get food. Now, they are very glad that their mother is still alive. Many women tell me that it is very difficult to work in hotels. The night shifts are often very difficult. I am an example to many women. Several women tell me I am very courageous. Some women are even thinking of joining the hotel. They see me as a positive person. They appreciate my perseverance and motivation. The course at GL has helped me take important decisions for my life. I can now move forward in my life. The lessons learned at the training were very helpful. I learned how to communicate with others. I do apply these lessons in my everyday life. For example, with my children and colleagues at work, I share my experiences. I also advice many people. For example, if a friend wants achieve in life, I am here to guide her/him. In the future, I am planning develop my own business. I will also want my children to work with me. I will like to have a small snack where different types of food are sold. My two children also motivate me. They are eager about the idea of having our own business. My daughter is very passionate about pastry. She believes that if the business opens, she will be able to bake some cakes. I still do not lose hope. I know that one day, I will be able to able to accomplish this dream. My message to women is to move forward in life without fearing the future. I would also like to thank GL for all the help and support provided.