In Yauli, Peru, a town of 3,000, the women live in a world full of inequalities and marginalization. Yet, despite this environment, these women have a persistence that is admirable. One of these hardworking women is 39-year-old Matilde Mayhua Yalli, a mother of three.

Matilde bears the burden of raising her children by herself most of the time. Her husband, Francisco, works in the central mine and can only come home twice a month. So, to supplement the family income while he’s away, Francisco helped Matilde start a small business out of their home selling groceries, sweets and lollipops.