Prevents domestic violence of 200 women in Ecuador

This year, in response to the complex reality that the neighborhoods of Pisulí and La Roldós are going through, we have taken on the challenge of accompanying 300 vulnerable women and their families to strengthen their emotional ties, their way of perceiving themselves and relating positively with their environment.

The growing insecurity and lack of basic services (such as electricity and water) have generated fear, isolation, overprotection and deterioration of relationships, so our training theme will focus on “Human love, affectivity and sexuality”. In addition, we have incorporated specific transversal axes to optimize our family accompaniment: “Culture of Peace”, promoting dialogue and conflict resolution; “Financial Education”, promoting the responsible use of money with a vision of the future; “Care of the environment”, raising awareness about the sustainable consumption of resources.

Through monthly workshops, the mothers have reflected on their experiences and the challenges they face with their children. There have also been integration activities and the celebration of traditional festivities to foster their socialization and sense of belonging: Day of the Dead, Fiestas de Quito and Christmas. The latter was a special occasion with the participation of more than 200 families, who enjoyed thematic games, a choral concert and the representation of a living nativity scene.

Personalized accompaniment has been key. Home visits have allowed mothers to find a safe space to share their concerns and receive emotional support. In view of the difficult economic situation, an emergency fund was set up to provide food, medical consultations and medicines to 47 women in the most serious conditions:

“I am having economic difficulties because I was fired from my job without severance pay. I have 3 daughters and I am alone since my husband was murdered (...) My daughters are studying and I have no way to feed them. I ask you from the bottom of my heart to help me with a grain of sand since, at this time, I do not have a job. I thank you in advance that my daughters belong to the foundation, there they have supported me morally, psychologically and I have learned many things to be able to practice at home” (Karina).

In addition, thanks to a Christmas campaign, food baskets were delivered to more 100 families.
Your support continues to be indispensable and, for us and all our families, it is the most concrete way to demonstrate that only “a greater love” can transform lives.

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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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