A Refuge of Hope and Opportunities for Women in Vulnerable Situations
Who are we?
At the heart of the city of Arequipa, Peru, CREA MUJER - ACERTAR beats with strength — a non-profit civil association passionately and committedly dedicated to providing comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations. Founded on May 31, 2013 by Christina Reymer and Dr. Luis Aubert, our story began by protecting life, inviting pregnant women at risk of abortion to find support and counseling at our offices. Over time, thanks to the generosity of people like Elsa Rodríguez Torres, whose home became our space, we have grown to offer a wide range of services to pregnant women and women in vulnerable situations, providing them with comprehensive support. We also train them through our workshops so they have the opportunity to start their own businesses and generate their own income.
Our history
In 2013, Christina Reymer and Dr. Luis Aubert founded ACERTAR with the vision of protecting life and providing support to pregnant women at risk of abortion, launching the first CAM services. A year later, in 2014, the home of Elsa Rodríguez Torres became the first physical space for the association, allowing services to be expanded for women in vulnerable situations and strengthening its support work.
Between 2015 and 2017, ACERTAR strengthened its social media presence to spread its mission and connect with more people. The educational program 'Educating to Love' was implemented in institutions such as I.E. Micaela Bastidas and the association participated in the provincial initiative to prevent violence against women. In 2018, the AMEN program was born, focused on providing aid to women in need — a key step toward comprehensive care.
During these years, ACERTAR launched the pilot project 'Women Empowering Women' (MIM), focused on craft training, accounting, and marketing. In 2020, amid the pandemic, the association promoted the 'Baskets of Love' campaign, supporting economically affected families. Additionally, the board of directors was renewed, reaffirming the commitment to solidarity and social support.
In 2021, a new board of directors took charge of ACERTAR, strengthening its organizational structure. During 2022, the 'Women Empowering Women' project was promoted and the reach of programs was expanded through workshops, COF socio-emotional assistance, and support campaigns for women in need. Thanks to collaborative and voluntary work, the association managed to benefit more than 4,500 people directly and indirectly.
In 2023 and 2024, ACERTAR consolidated its impact with campaigns such as 'Warming Hearts' and 'Education First', social and educational projects, and new institutional partnerships. AMEN and COF programs were strengthened, personal and technical development workshops were promoted, and collaboration on sustainable initiatives such as the installation of solar street lights took place. These actions reflect ACERTAR's constant commitment to education, life, and the dignity of women.
Our Purpose
We promote the integral development of women as the foundation of family and community well-being.
Vision
By 2030, ACERTAR will be an association recognized in its area of intervention for its coordinated and effective work in empowering women, promoting strong families and their members. Its work will be carried out in alliance with pro-woman and pro-family institutions at regional, national, and international levels.
Mission
ACERTAR is an association that drives the holistic development of women in southern Peru. Through participatory processes and teamwork, we strengthen their capabilities, promote the formation of values, and encourage awareness for their personal, family, and community well-being.
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Our Values
Solidarity
To share with people everything that can be offered. Solidarity with women, because helping them lays the foundation for a stronger and more equal future for all.
Respect
For customs, beliefs, language, and tradition, as long as human rights are respected.
Equality
Between men and women, between boys and girls, and also among those who suffer a disability, illness, or any other social or physical problem. Equality as the basis for achieving the human dignity that everyone deserves and for which we work daily.
Commitment
To the people our projects are directed at and to the community, so they know we are always by their side. But also commitment to those who help and support, because we want them to see the fruit of their contributions transparently and closely.
Coherence
In projects and also in the results sought and achieved. Coherence in the way we grow and also in the way we manage.
Cooperation
With the various organizations that share our values — cooperation to add, to support, and ultimately to achieve the common good of the people we help.
Future
Because our projects not only aim to address immediate and pressing needs, but also seek to build a solid foundation for a more welcoming future for all.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a core value representing the free, supportive, and committed dedication of individuals to a common cause. It forms the human and ethical foundation that drives our actions, strengthening our social mission through the selfless contribution of time, knowledge, and effort for the benefit of the community.
Stories of hope
Over the 13 years of the association, we have accompanied more than 4,000 stories of women who were in difficult situations. By the grace of God and the work of all our volunteers, each woman's life project and the members of her family group were improved. The following stories reflect a little of this work.
