Fair Play in a Free Trade Zone: Zona Franca Masili

International Women's Factory New Life, originally named is a women's clothing cooperative was formed 11 years ago, as women in a community came together to face an traumatic experience. Opportunities were scarce, and people needed to find an way to obtain a living for themselves along with their families.

The women were assisted by a foundation to help them buy the land, to create a new business their new business was created on. It took two years of construction to build Nueva Vida, which later was renamed to Zona Franca Masili in 2005. In the duration of that time period, their were only 14 women completing the future clothing store along with no salary being distributed. As time continued, the women were able to learn and obtain training skills with the use of knowledge of the equipment.

Now, the mission of the women's cooperative is to create awareness of discrimination and strictness in the work environment. Products produced from Zona Franca Masili sell in Nicaragua but the majority in the United States, Canada and Germany. In a significant good year, the company is able to sale 15,000 to 20,000 pieces of material. On the other hand, in a year they may not have as much potential only sales 3,000 to 4,000 pieces. Due to the Free Trade Zone, this fair trade company is located in, the limited capacity of goods to sale is 40,000.

It was an unique experience to see several women coming together to create an substantial work environment in a time period, where sexism is still present. Unfortunately, the women were taught that they were meant to be care-takers of the home instead of obtaining a job in the work force. These women showed an great source of strength with the creation of a new business for their community and families.