In the beginning, all Edileuza Guimarães wanted was a memorable sweet-sixteen party. Now, she’s an accomplished caterer who co-founded and leads a 1200-member collective of home-based workers in Osasco, Brazil. The journey is less surprising considering her heritage. “I’m the daughter of a trade unionist and a working-class woman,” she said. “I grew up never

Many home-based workers are also caregivers, but for Marianet López Valenzuela caregiving is a 24/7 responsibility. She rises early every morning to get in a few hours work before her 73-year-old mother wakes at 11. Some days Rosa, who suffers with senile dementia, is able to dress and eat independently and helps prepare food, household

Jaqueline “Jaque” Serrano found support in her neighbourhood’s gender violence group, now the seamstress shares inspiration and information globally as a member of HomeNet International’s Gender Committee. “I have many, many colleagues who have been beaten by their partners,” said Jaque with a grimace. “There is a lot of violence, physical, economic and also verbal.”