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An unprecedented partnership between Rede Asta and the Vale Foundation introduces a new model of private social investment that generates income for seamstresses while supporting coronavirus prevention efforts across Brazil.
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus and provide income-generating opportunities for women during the pandemic, the Vale Foundation and Rede Asta created the Máscara + Renda (Mask + Income) initiative. So far, 1,000 seamstresses and artisans from all regions of the country have been selected to produce protective masks, each receiving up to R$ 900 per month. Over three months, 1.5 million masks will be produced and donated to social organizations suggested by the seamstresses themselves. These entities will distribute the items to those most in need, encouraging mask-wearing and promoting a culture of prevention within their communities.
The initiative began with an initial investment of R$ 5.5 million from the Vale Foundation and Wheaton Precious Metals, but the project will expand as new partners join. The goal, through collaboration with other companies and the creation of a Social Investor Network, is to reach R$ 11.1 million in funding, 3 million masks produced, and 2,000 women supported.
Despite all its challenges, the pandemic has opened a window of new opportunities and ways for companies to engage with the country's social issues. Businesses have been able to unite around initiatives capable of building a path forward for thousands of people who, beyond the health and sanitary concerns, have lost their sources of income and are facing food insecurity.
With the creation of the Social Investor Network, the Máscara + Renda initiative will not only reach more women, but after the three-month production and income period, these women will be invited to participate in a training and development program. This will help them scale their businesses, enabling them to earn a living and thrive through their own income.
Today, Máscara + Renda also partners with Microsoft and has co-partners including Petrobras, BRK Ambiental, Eletrobrás, Arcadis, Della Volpe, Instituto Alcoa, and SAP. The project is also supported by mobilizing partners: Vale, the UN Global Compact, the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), the Firjan Sustainability Council, the French-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, and the Instituto Acende Brasil.
According to UN Women, in the context of the pandemic, women are more exposed to contamination risks and other factors, such as domestic violence and job loss, leading to increased poverty. In Brazil, women are the primary breadwinners in 45% of households, and supporting female leadership and financial autonomy is a core objective of this initiative.