31-01-2024 | di COOPI

Ecuador. Photography and business plan courses to support women's empowerment

The "Socio-Economic Inclusion Project for Women and Youth in Human Mobility and Host Communities in Lago Agrio and Ibarra through the Generation of Sustainable Livelihoods" carried out from August 2023 to the end of January 2024 with funding from IOM, International Organization for Migration, and the collaboration of UN Women, UNDP - United Nations Development Program, and the Multi-Partner Migration Trust Fund (MPTF), has been successfully concluded.

The purpose of the various activities was to provide opportunities for migrants, returnees, and the host community of Ibarra and Lago Agrio through the promotion of initiatives aimed at strengthening their entrepreneurship, and thus increase access to decent economic opportunities. Special attention has been deserved to women and youth.

Throughout the final day of the project, videos were presented, capturing the life stories of two outstanding project participants, Sol Maira Chebique from Lago Agrio and Darlín Lerma from Ibarra. These visual narratives not only illustrated the challenges overcome by these entrepreneurial women but also showcased how the project provided them with the necessary tools to establish their own ventures, such as a bakery and a business specializing in wigs and hair extensions.

Ecuador, a crucial destination for South American migrants, faces significant challenges in border provinces. Violation of rights, especially among women, intensifies, with limited access to the job market. COOPI focused efforts on the economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth.

250 beneficiaries among migrants, returnees, and host community members were selected, and among the results achieved, women's skills were strengthened, contributing to a 37% increase in gender empowerment. With an 86% attendance rate, a Product Photography training ensured essential skills for entrepreneurship, consolidating the capacity to generate sustainable livelihoods.

One of the highlights of the event was the panel that brought together distinguished representatives from United Nations agencies, including the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Ecuador; the Chief of Mission of IOM in Ecuador; the Representative of UN Women in Ecuador; and the Representative of PNUD in Ecuador. Moderated by Belén Ramos, Country Coordinator of COOPI, this space facilitated an enriching dialogue on the most relevant actions to promote socioeconomic integration and local development for populations in human mobility.

The event concluded with an inspiring panel discussion featuring women beneficiaries of the project from Lago Agrio and Ibarra. Moderated by Cristina Burgos, Inclusive Economic Development Officer for PNUD in Ecuador, the discussion provided a platform for these entrepreneurs to share their experiences. Key questions about the impact of training in various areas, the importance of support networks, and how the project helped them overcome challenges and seize opportunities prompted thoughtful and revealing responses.

In fact, along the project COOPI supported the development of 246 business plans, with a focus on associationism, empowering women and youth with practical tools for business management. These achievements represent success for the project and a positive impact on the living conditions of women, youth, and vulnerable populations in a challenging migratory context.

The project was among the activities carried out by COOPI in the Country. In parallel with humanitarian activities, COOPI has been supporting programs for small artisans and Afro - Ecuadorian women in Ecuador since 2006 and has been involved in the integration of the Colombian migrant population in the northern border area.