It all started with a dream: to strengthen the journey of women entrepreneurs in Ecuador by providing them with tools, training, and a support network that would allow them to grow and consolidate their businesses. This was the birth of the PODER Project, driven by the conviction that inclusion and diversity not only enrich society but also serve as engines for a more equitable future.
From day one, every woman who joined PODER brought with her a story, a challenge, and a goal to achieve. We knew the journey would not be easy, but through commitment and collaborative effort, we surpassed expectations and closed this project with remarkable milestones:
- Applicant entrepreneurs: Initial goal: 1,000 / Result achieved: 2,175
- Selected entrepreneurs: Initial goal: 600 / Result achieved: 767
- Entrepreneurs completing their training: Initial goal: 600 / Result achieved: 613
A project embracing diversity across the country
The impact of PODER went beyond the numbers. We made diversity a core pillar and ensured that all women, regardless of their background, found a real opportunity in this space. We reached:
- 90 women in mobility situations
- 54 women with disabilities
- 36 caregivers of people with disabilities
- 129 women from indigenous peoples and nationalities
- 164 women from rural areas
- 26 women from diverse gender and sexual identities
Moreover, we expanded our impact to 10 cities in Ecuador, including Cuenca, Puyo, Tena, Guayaquil, Tungurahua, Galápagos, Loja, Pichincha, Imbabura, and Manabí. Each location witnessed the growth and transformation of women who found in PODER a space to share, learn, and strengthen themselves.
Women with disabilities, in particular, shared that in many spaces they did not feel heard or understood. Therefore, it was essential that they all participated in emotional support groups offered by Vida Plena. Beyond meeting the standards set by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the PODER Project celebrated diversity and human dignity at its core.
Official disability statistics in Ecuador are underestimated. While the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates that 13% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean lives with a disability, in Ecuador the official figure is only 2.84%, counting only those who hold a disability card. Nonetheless, women with disabilities possessing remarkable leadership skills have left an invaluable legacy that we must help perpetuate.
An ending that is just the beginning
The PODER Project has concluded, but the impact it created will continue transforming lives. Over 600 women have strengthened their businesses and support networks, demonstrating that when provided with the right opportunities, they can reach their full potential.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, the IMPAQTO team, and, above all, to every woman who trusted PODER and took a step toward growth. Their courage, determination, and commitment to their dreams are the true essence of the change we aim to continue building.
This is not the end, but the start of new opportunities for all women striving to make their projects a reality. We continue to believe in a world where every woman, regardless of her story, has the chance to grow and thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey!
