A visit to FOMMA

Fomma, (Fortaleza de la Mujer Maya) an organization devised of indigenous women native of Chiapas, located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of San Cristóbal de Las Casa, el barrio de Mexicanos.

During our last visit accompanied by Melanie and Jim Evan, we saw the installation were undergoing a large remodeling Project to expand the existing facilities. Regardless we were able to visit Fomma who had a representative that kindly gave us a tour and an in depth explanation of what their group represents. Their Mission not only is to help indigenous women the overcome hardships, psychological and physical abuse, but to send a message through radio, theatre productions about social issues, deal with heath and nutrition issues, and vocational training for women and children.

Within these facilities there is a home theatre, sewing workshop, native language program, bakery, photo studio, and a reading-and-writing center. While women attend Fomma they count with a library to help with learning, a day care, a small café and internet open to the public.

Fomma has notably growth over the past years, thanks to their hard work and persistence. Also thanks to groups and organizations like Amigos de San Cristobal A.C., Maya Educational Foundation among others. Fomma has been able to generate a little extra income financing its own growth thanks to the production of baked products, like cakes and bread, school uniforms.etc which are sold and profits are shared with indigenous women.

The theater program is one of the pillars of Fomma, they perform uncommon themes that pertain to social issues, dealing with rape, single mothers, abuse. The theater provides the stage that allows for this type of expression, sharing a message of overcoming obstacles. On top of that it has provided a means of traveling and sharing their message throughout different parts of the world, doing shows at Harvard, and various places in Europe, among other locations. Everything from the script to the costumes are produced by the women of Fomma. A volunteer director from the United States comes to help with every play.

Every reward implies hard work. Truly is that thanks to Fomma´s hard work and the support from outside groups, Fomma is getting its reward seeing the end of their remodeling project completed. This is a new start and a continuation of their mission, they will keep providing help on many levels and most of all help women improve their self-esteem allowing them to grow as individuals and become self sufficient.



José Rodrigo Alfonzo Velasco. Miembro de Amigos de San Cristóbal A. C.