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A wave of transformation is sweeping through Ecuador’s coastal regions. It’s called DESAFÍOS, a groundbreaking initiative launched by CISP and funded by the European Union. This project is reshaping lives in the border region of Esmeraldas, a province in northern Ecuador, by empowering women and youth to build a brighter future.
Since its inception in 2021, now in its second phase, DESAFÍOS has been driving meaningful change by valuing local resources and nurturing entrepreneurship among women and young people. The project has fostered the creation of business networks, bringing together responsible artisanal fishing and seafood harvesting. By promoting collaboration, DESAFÍOS is enhancing the value of local products while building a more equitable and sustainable economy for the region.
In Ecuador, as in many parts of the world, women face steep challenges in the labor market. Opportunities in formal, well-paying sectors are limited, especially in rural areas where economic inequalities are starkest. For many women, this reality confines them to precarious, marginalized roles with little access to education, healthcare, or opportunities for empowerment.
It’s a vicious cycle that DESAFÍOS seeks to break.
How? By placing women at the center of change, the project is helping them redefine their roles in the community. Through their participation in fishing and shellfish harvesting, these women are no longer bystanders—they are active agents of change. They’re proving that female empowerment is not just a vision but a powerful, transformative force.
Investing in women is investing in the future. This principle, central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, lies at the core of DESAFÍOS. The economic independence achieved by the women of Esmeraldas not only boosts their confidence but also directly enhances the quality of life for their families and communities.
Together, women and young people are laying the foundation for a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable future. DESAFÍOS is charting a bold path for Ecuador—one where local resources, collaboration, and women's leadership become the driving forces of lasting change.
We appreciate CISP for encouraging us to organize ourselves, identify our challenges and seek solutions for our community. This approach is new to us and has had a profoundly positive impact. With these activities, we women are exploring new paths for development, aiming to guide our sons and daughters away from violence and harmful behaviors. We still have much to improve, so please don’t abandon us.”
Esperanza Mina, President of the Community Assembly, San Martín Neighborhood, San Lorenzo Canton, Esmeraldas Province
