Prevents domestic violence of 200 women in Ecuador

Even with the complex scenario that Ecuador is going through (increase in crime, energy crisis with power outages of 5-10 hours) we have offered uninterrupted accompaniment to 270 women in vulnerable conditions and their families. We closed the school year celebrating together, sharing and rescuing their ability to overcome adversity.  

On Sunday, July 7, we held a Family Day at the Pisulí stadium with more than 150 participants, including parents, young people and children. The common thread of all the proposed activities was “traditional games” and prizes were awarded to the groups, families and characters with the most creative costumes. The day began with “dance therapy” led by a volunteer mother, followed by a recreational break with a presentation by the children of our dance workshop. One of the winning families used the theme of the characters from “IntenseMind” and told us why they chose this motif: “In the family there are all these emotions, there are joys, sadness, but, nevertheless, we have to fight through adversity. As you can see my son had an accident, you have to take responsibility when you ride in a vehicle, these crutches are real, they are not part of the outfit. I thank God because I have him here and I am celebrating with you, you are a big family to me”. 

On the other hand, of the 40 family businesses accompanied, 93% improved their economy. The most significant improvements were in business development (improvement of equipment or infrastructure), formalization or permitting or management of their finances. Three (3) entrepreneurs received support to apply for the “Mejoratuemprendimiento” contest, III edition of Fundación Bien-estar; 2 entrepreneurs have become members of the Cámara Artesanal de Pichincha (Pichincha Chamber of Crafts). Safe financing practices have been promoted, since many local businesses often resort to “chulqueros” or informal moneylenders whose funds are often associated with drug trafficking.  

Fifteen women were presented with an award for having completed the entire “Personal Empowerment” course: “I now have the foundation to continue educating my children, my partner and myself. I have learned that I can stand on my own two feet, fighting every day and learning more, thanks to people like those at the Foundation who motivate us to move forward. 

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For the first quarter 2024, the ECU 911 (national immediate response service) recorded an increase of 10.6% of emergencies attended in terms of domestic violence and violence against women and most of these cases occurred in Pichincha, our province. This data is intrinsically related to the security crisis that Ecuador is going through (inability of law enforcement to address the overflowing criminality) and shows the concern of citizens for their welfare, the need to feel cared for and protected. Many experts agree that in order to overcome this crisis, Ecuador needs a comprehensive approach that encompasses education and crime prevention, among other measures.

From February to June, our training workshops were focused as a short "Personal Empowerment" journey. Each month, a "life skill" was addressed through a specific theme: "Who am I" to deepen the skill "Self-awareness"; "How to understand what is happening now and around me" for "Critical thinking"; "Learning to decide" for "Decision-making" and "Relationship with my partner" for "Interpersonal relationships". Other educational, recreational and cultural spaces were also provided, such as a conversation with the renowned Ecuadorian journalist Francisco Rocha to understand the reality of the country and its most recent events (Popular Consultation, tax hikes, insecurity), monthly workshops on "Finances for the home", family bingo, preparation of Ecuadorian dishes, trips on the new Quito Metro and to historical sites. 

The purpose of all these activities is as simple as it is fundamental: to provide more than 250 women with the necessary tools to learn to cope resiliently with every circumstance in their lives and to choose for their own well-being (physical, mental) and that of their families. Eighteen (18) children of vulnerable mothers with behavioral, emotional and learning disorders received care from specialists at the Universidad Particular Internacional (UISEK). We have continued to follow 50 women victims of violence and 41% have decided to go to a specialist (psychological, legal); thanks to our accompaniment and by listening to the experience of other mothers in our spaces, these women have learned to value themselves, to identify the types of violence so as not to let themselves be assaulted, to advise and support themselves with possible solutions or even have had the courage to separate from their aggressors.

Finally, 42 women entrepreneurs received monthly personalized tutoring and training. During this period they learned notions of "Visual Identity" and defined all the elements of their brands, and also about "The value of family entrepreneurship" (the latter by Monica Villagómez, president of the Sembrar Board of Directors with extensive experience in finance and corporate governance) where they learned that their ventures can strengthen family unity and generate jobs for other families.

All these are necessary elements to overcome violence: empowerment, resilience, family, community and social unity. Thank you for your support!

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