Mara Lezama Hands Out 100 Sewing Machines in Chetumal to Boost Women’s Self-Employment

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa handed out 100 sewing machines in the state capital, part of an effort to strengthen traditional trades and promote self-employment among women.

The machines went to beneficiaries from the municipalities of Othón P. Blanco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and José María Morelos through the FARO del Bienestar program, under its 2026 Strengthening of Trades (FORO) modality.

Lezama was accompanied by Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the Quintana Roo DIF family services agency. The two presented machines to beneficiaries Karla Mariana and Tomasa Gutiérrez before an audience of women from communities across the three municipalities.

Income for households, autonomy for women

The governor said her administration puts those who have least at the center of its decisions in order to break down barriers of inequality and spread prosperity to every household in the state, as set out in the New Agreement for the Wellbeing and Development of Quintana Roo.

She said the program is meant to give women economic autonomy so that their work — embroidery, garment making, suits, pajamas and other goods — generates income and improves their families’ quality of life.

Lezama also urged the women in attendance to live free of violence and said nothing and no one should clip their wings when it comes to pursuing their dreams.

Officials reported that the state distributed 2,474 sewing machines in 2024 and 5,979 in 2025, for a total of 8,453 tools, while more than 14,200 women have benefited between 2024 and 2026.

Ignacio Perera Medina, who heads the Quintana Roo Wellbeing Department (SEBIEN), said the FORO modality promotes learning and the exchange of knowledge, positive social transformation and the strengthening of community culture, contributing to social cohesion and peace-building in the state.

The FORO 2026 call remains open until it reaches its goal of 5,800 beneficiaries across all 11 municipalities. Women interested in applying can review the requirements and register at sebien.qroo.gob.mx/foro/.

Also attending the event were Yensunni Martínez Hernández, municipal president of Othón P. Blanco, and Sofía Ochoa Rodríguez, director of the FARO del Bienestar center in Chetumal.