Reybanpac, the Wong Foundation, and Plan International continue to promote women's empowerment

For the second consecutive year, Reybanpac and the Wong Foundation, together with Plan International, are implementing the “Women Empowering Women” mentoring program.

In this new edition, 30 young women between the ages of 17 and 24, beneficiaries of Plan International and the Wong Foundation projects, are being guided by 30 mentors from Reybanpac and the foundation, who are participating on a voluntary basis, to strengthen their soft skills and job competencies in order to promote their empowerment and leadership. The young participants come from different communities in the provinces of Los Ríos and Santo Domingo.

The inauguration took place on July 31 with a first session in which tools for effective communication were provided. Topics to be addressed throughout the program include: gender and inclusion in the workplace; critical thinking and problem solving; adaptability and change management; personal finance; among others.

Sabine Game, a collaborator in Reybanpac's commercial area, is one of the program's volunteers. She was motivated by the opportunity to contribute and guide young women by strengthening their self-esteem and knowledge to chart a path toward a successful professional career.

“Being part of the program is an incredibly rewarding experience. I feel very proud to be able to contribute to the future of young women and to see them grow with confidence,” she said.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Ecuador (2024), 17.8% of young people between the ages of 17 and 24 neither study nor work, with women being the most affected due to family responsibilities, cultural barriers, and lack of training opportunities. Added to this is the lack of soft skills and technical competencies necessary for women, especially those in rural areas, to access quality jobs or start a business.

"Given this reality, it is vital to create spaces for training, mentoring, and support that allow young women to strengthen their life plans, learn about their rights, improve their self-esteem, and acquire tools for their early entry into the workforce. Thus, together, we are sowing the seeds for the future to build a more equitable society," says Ricardo Romero, director of the Wong Foundation.

Women Empowering Women reflects Reybanpac and the Wong Foundation's commitment to gender equality and the formation of strategic alliances to provide training opportunities that promote female empowerment and leadership, especially among young women in rural areas.