Paraguay promotes women’s economic autonomy

In the vast Paraguayan Chaco, where cultural diversity and different socioeconomic realities converge, the struggle for gender equality acquires permanent relevance. In this context, the Municipality of Villa Hayes has developed an experience that stands out for the articulation and methodology used to positively impact the lives of women.   

The promotion of economic autonomy is presented as an essential strategy to improve women’s lives. Within the framework of the project financed by the European Union, Support for the 2030 Agenda in Paraguay, sessions have been held to highlight and work to improve the situation of women in the country. 

These sessions have allowed highlighting the importance of support among women both in daily coexistence and economic development. In addition, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has provided training on care routes and services to deal with situations of violence and has reflected on different forms of gender violence and offered practical tools for its prevention and approach. 

According to the Paraguayan Ministry of Women’s Affairs report based on the National Survey on the Situation of Women in Paraguay (2021), 8 out of 10 women in the country have suffered some type of gender-based violence at some point in their lives. In addition, women in Paraguay face a higher rate of poverty and extreme poverty than men, along with an increase in the number of women with no income of their own. These data highlight the close relationship between gender-based violence, increased poverty and lack of economic autonomy, underscoring the urgency of effective and sustainable interventions to address this reality. 

Training has also been provided on the use of social media as a tool for selling and promoting products and services. In addition, the challenges and opportunities of business formalization have been discussed, highlighting the importance of legality and strategic planning.   

Rossana Velaztiqui, head of the Women’s Department, has expressed her gratitude to the program for its support in carrying out this series of workshops, as she believes that these actions provide important knowledge for the personal and professional development of the participants, while empowering them in their communities. Velaztiqui stated, “Their contribution has been of great impact in promoting gender equality and fostering a life free of violence for the women of our city, and we are very grateful for their collaboration in this important work.” 

Thanks to the support of the Agenda 2030 support program, this initiative has enabled collaboration between the Municipal Government, the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Social Development, which has proven to be a crucial factor in strengthening the women’s department in Villa Hayés.