The United States government has reaffirmed its dedication to gender equality on International Women’s Day by supporting initiatives in Ecuador that promote inclusion and the empowerment of women. Over the past year, the U.S. has launched various projects aimed at benefiting women across Ecuador's cantons.
The focus on gender equity is not only a matter of justice but also seen as a strategic move to enhance prosperity at multiple levels. The U.S. government has backed conferences and training for women in law enforcement, facilitating knowledge exchange and mentoring.
Michael J. Fitzpatrick, the U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador, stated, “Women in the security and justice sector play a crucial role in their work and sometimes face unique challenges in their roles. Their full, integral, and equal participation facilitates sustainable security.”
In addition to security-focused efforts, the U.S. supports Ecuadorian women entrepreneurs through initiatives like Economic Reactivation for Women and SMEs (PODER) and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). These programs offer business training to support marginalized communities including indigenous women, Afro-Ecuadorian women, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The U.S. Department of State has recognized over 190 women globally with its International Women of Courage Award since 2007. This year’s honoree from Ecuador is Fátima Orozco, a professor from Esmeraldas who was acknowledged by Secretary of State Antony Blinken for her work against youth violence through educational programs.