La Fundación Retorno a la Libertad

Laura Perdomo is a legal coordinator and board member of the La Fundación Retorno a la Libertad (Return to Freedom Foundation), a Colombian organization that has spent over two decades defending the rights of incarcerated people, with a focus on women and their families.

With our Giving Joy grant, the Foundation successfully implemented a comprehensive handicraft and entrepreneurship program for 30 women at the Cartagena District Prison, many of whom are heads of households striving to maintain connections with and support their families. The program aimed not only to equip the women with practical skills to generate income while incarcerated but also to extend its impact to their families, benefiting approximately 50 children and 30 elderly women who are primary caregivers. The program also introduced ethical marketing strategies, connecting the women’s products to local and solidarity-based markets, ensuring long-term sustainability.

The program included several key components: Participants attended sewing and handcraft workshops where they learned how to use sewing machines, create patterns, and master finishing techniques, all while exploring how to reuse textile materials. One participant, María, created her first line of bags using recycled fabrics, demonstrating her ability to generate income independently.

In addition, personal development and leadership workshops built self-esteem, foster teamwork, and support social reintegration. These sessions were vital in helping the women regain confidence, develop a sense of purpose, and prepare for their future outside the prison. The project also focused on product visibility and marketing, with funds supporting the purchase of materials for a small craft fair where participants showcased their creations to the community. This event not only allowed the women to share their talents but also raised awareness about the importance of second chances.

By offering these opportunities, the Foundation was able to help the women regain their sense of agency while also benefiting their families and the wider community. Moreover, the program has transformed the way formerly incarcerated women are perceived in the community, positioning them as agents of change rather than stigmatized individuals.