MUDE, Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana Inc.

Training, healthcare and empowerment support for women

Dominican Republic

Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana, Inc. (MUDE) was founded on 2 December 1975 in Santo Domingo by a group of entrepreneurs who strongly believed in opportunities for women.

Many MUDE clients are single mothers who live in small tin homes and make a living growing crops or raising livestock, running small beauty parlours or second-hand clothes shops, etc.

MUDE initiated its microfinance programme in the 1980s. Female leaders were appointed in rural communities, health education and healthcare support was provided. MUDE aimed to build women’s self-esteem and help them start their own businesses.

In the 1990s, MUDE managed to raise national awareness about the difficulties faced by women in rural areas. It also played an active role in the creation of a law pertaining to domestic violence.

MUDE has many programmes based on health, water & sanitation, training, technical assistance and other development services.

Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana, Inc. has been an Oikocredit partner since 2009.