Mothers at Risk is a small, independent, international non-profit organization devoted to helping women living in poverty enjoy healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and support as they raise their young children.
In Nicaragua, our local counterpart is Francisca Espinoza ‘Panchita’, a tireless advocate for women’s welfare and Director of the National Network of Casas Maternas (Maternity Homes). Casas Maternas shelter at-risk expectant mothers from isolated rural communities until the birth of their baby. Francisca’s trailblazing work to create and expand Casas Maternas has saved countless lives of mothers and newborns.
Francisca was at the forefront of the creation two decades ago of the Casas Maternas, which together now provide comprehensive medical care and temporary shelter for thousands of rural women. For Francisca, ‘every woman who leaves the Casa with her baby in her arms and a safe delivery behind her is a victory; that is our daily reward; it is what keeps us going despite the challenges”. These challenges include a growing trend of young girls victims of rape and expectant mothers victims of domestic violence seeking shelter at the Casas.
Francisca manages the Casa Materna in her hometown Jinotega, where the project with Mothers at Risk is taking place, and she oversees the work of 60 other Casas. Francisca was recently awarded the Health and Dignity for Women Award by Americans for UNFPA for her ability to mobilize communities in support of maternal health and prevent unnecessary suffering among generations of women.
