La Ruta 4.0 has provided comprehensive support to 125 people and strengthens its impact with new alliances in València

Ecuadorian delegation visits València to strengthen cooperation and highlight the impact of La Ruta 4.0, establishing alliances with key institutions in social entrepreneurship and human mobility.

Roundtable on social entrepreneurship brings together experts to discuss the inclusion of women in vulnerable situations, highlighting strategies for their autonomy and sustainable development.

In the current context, Ecuador has become a key destination for human mobility, receiving around 500,000 migrants from Venezuela and approximately 150,000 from Colombia. In response to this reality, the La Ruta 4.0 cooperation project stands out as a key initiative for the empowerment of women in vulnerable situations, promoting their autonomy and resilience through training in entrepreneurship and employability.

Since its launch in 2023, 92 women from Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela have participated in training sessions to improve their entrepreneurial projects and technological skills.

In addition to training, participants receive comprehensive support, including legal assistance and psychosocial health services, reaching 125 people who have received guidance in various areas, such as legal advice on civil, immigration, and family law, as well as psychosocial health sessions. According to 90% of the beneficiaries, this approach has significantly improved their well-being.

Strategic alliances and international cooperation to strengthen the impact of La Ruta 4.0

As part of this project, representatives of the local partner, Mensajeros de la Paz – Ecuador, traveled to Valencia to strengthen cooperation and networking efforts. The visit aimed to present the project’s achievements and establish strategic alliances with various Valencian institutions. The delegation met with Pedro Carceller, Director General of Cooperation, to personally convey the impact that La Ruta 4.0 is generating in Ecuador. The delegation also held meetings with the Valencian Coordinator of Development NGOs and the director and students of the master’s program in international cooperation at the Universitat Politècnica de València among others.

One of the highlights of the visit was the participation in a roundtable discussion on social entrepreneurship as a tool for the inclusion of women in vulnerable situations.

During the event, Tatiana Cordero, Project Director at Mensajeros de la Paz – Ecuador, provided an overview of the migration situation in the country and the challenges faced by the project’s women beneficiaries, emphasizing the need to generate sustainable livelihoods.

Israel Griol, Head of Ideas UPV, presented how the university is supporting the professionalization of entrepreneurial projects and promoting sustainable development, also addressing the need to reduce gender gaps in fields such as technology and engineering.

Meanwhile, Silvia Tusón, Coordinator of the Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz (ACPP-PV), shared experiences from projects with women in Palestine and Tunisia, focused on fair trade and women’s empowerment. The discussion also covered the feasibility of cooperativism in Ecuador, the importance of measuring project impact, and the structural barriers women face on their path to economic autonomy.

The visit of the Ecuadorian delegation also sparked reflections on the future and importance of initiatives like La Ruta 4.0 in promoting social inclusion and sustainable development, essential pillars to ensure that women in vulnerable situations continue to receive the support and guidance they need. The creation of collaborative networks is vital to ensuring that the work carried out not only has an immediate impact but also continues over time.

The future looks promising, with a clear focus on continuing support for women beneficiaries and the creation of collaborative networks to expand the project’s reach. Social inclusion and sustainable development will remain fundamental pillars of La Ruta 4.0.

La Ruta 4.0 is a project led by Mensajeros de la Paz Ecuador, ACOEC, and Jovesólides España, with funding from the Vicepresidencia Primera y Conselleria de Servicios Sociales and the Cooperació valenciana. Follow the latest updates on social media using the hashtag #LaRuta4punto0.