On Friday, November 29, 2024, the Pío Jaramillo Auditorium at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) was filled with joy, pride, and empowerment during the graduation ceremony of 60 women who completed their participation in the PODER Project.
This program, designed by USAID and IMPAQTO to strengthen the skills and autonomy of female entrepreneurs, represents a significant step toward building a more equitable and inclusive Ecuador.
To date, 441 women from various regions such as Cuenca, Puyo, Tena, Guayas, Ambato, Galápagos, and now Loja, have been part of this transformation. This milestone not only symbolizes individual achievements but also the strengthening of entire communities committed to female empowerment.
A ceremony with purpose
The ceremony was not only a moment to celebrate individual and collective achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on essential topics for women and their communities. ALDEA, an organization committed to promoting human rights, offered a sensitization talk on Gender-Based Violence.
In this space, the entrepreneurs and their families learned about:
- The importance of fostering support networks among women.
- Strategies to rebuild healthy relationships.
- How to build safe and supportive communities that strengthen the role of women as leaders and change agents.
This comprehensive approach reinforces PODER’s mission: not only to advance these women’s ventures but also to transform social dynamics to create environments where they can thrive fully.
Diversity and resilience
The group of graduates represents the cultural and social diversity of Loja and its surroundings. Among the participants:
- 4 women of Kichwa nationality.
- 6 women of Kichwa Saraguro nationality.
- 6 caregivers of people with disabilities, who balance family responsibilities with their personal and professional development.
These figures reflect the PODER Project’s commitment to inclusion and respect for multiculturalism, fundamental values for building a more equitable society.
A future full of possibilities
The PODER Project impacts entire communities by empowering women as a driving force for change. This group of entrepreneurs, with their diverse experiences and talents, is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when they are given the tools, support, and opportunities needed.
From IMPAQTO, we celebrate this milestone and reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting initiatives like PODER, which generate social impact and promote equity.
Congratulations to the graduates! May your projects continue to grow and pave the way for many more women.
| See the graduation photos here
