I will explain how employment in the flower industry affects different types of women. I

will analyze only single and married women since the situation of flower workers who

are single mothers is a combination of that of single and married women.

 In the following analysis, I will use responses to interview questions, in which

these women expressed their feelings, perceptions, and plans regarding their experience

in the flower industry. When necessary, I will explain how realistic their perceptions and

plans may be, in light of what is known about the flower industry in Ecuador.

 For single women, a job in a flower plantation can represent their best chance for

achieving empowerment. These young women, the majority of flower workers, do not

yet have specific family or social responsibilities in Mulauco. With the exception of

helping with household tasks, they do not have family responsibilities that require daily

attention. Teresa is one of the single flower workers I interviewed. She appeared very

happy and proud of her work, which provides the material base to satisfy her needs. As

she stated during the interview, her income allows her to exercise agency in various

situations, and this puts her in a favorable position as regards her family. Since she lives

with her parents, she helps out with household expenses, and family members appreciate

this.

 Because she earns a wage, Teresa has been able to establish her own social

network. This network is not connected to the family network, as is usually the case in

the community, but is her own personal network. She has been able to create a personal

environment in accord with her wishes: she has fixed up her room and bought some

appliances, clothes, and other personal items. All these achievements result in personal

fulfillment, which is a source of happiness. In addition, in the traditional environment to