Cutting through the metal

Today was an exciting day at the Nahualapa baths as we kicked off the first part of our pedal power classes! A fantastic group of ten women joined us, eager to dive into the world of bicycle washing machines that we've been buzzing about. We shared our journey as women builders and our passion for creating welcoming spaces where women can confidently learn to use tools, cut metal, weld, and tackle tasks often dominated by men. We had a blast laughing about the quirky things we've built and the funny mistakes we've made along the way.

We showcased the washing machines we've crafted so far to inspire everyone to jump into the class and learn to build their own. The machines were a hit, and everyone enthusiastically decided to join the class! Maria led the workshop, starting with an introduction to the angle grinder. After covering safety and proper usage, everyone got hands-on experience cutting metal. Our first mission was to measure and cut the legs for the last washing machine, and it was a roaring success! Even those who were initially hesitant jumped in and cut metal with confidence!

We now have four legs, and our final pedal-powered washing machine is starting to take shape beautifully!