2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The “Communities of Equity and Rights” project, promoted by the Provincial GAD of Azuay, seeks to improve the quality of life and social inclusion of vulnerable groups in the province, with a focus on rural women who are victims of gender-based violence. It emerged in 2022 in response to the inequalities affecting the rural population, where more than 30% of children and adolescents live in poverty and gender-based violence is prevalent.

The project empowers rural women, especially peasant women and older women, through training in productive skills, personal development and emotional healing, while addressing gender-based violence and promoting equity. It also involves children, teenagers and the elderly in educational, sporting and recreational activities, fostering the integral development of the community.

Implemented in three phases since 2020, the project has created 30 “Equity Communities”, with community kitchens and recreational spaces. Alliances have been established with local governments and organizations, promoting inclusive public policies and community participation in decision-making processes. As a result, more than 3,000 people have improved their educational skills, the economic autonomy of women has increased and information on rights and reporting routes has been provided.

The project has had a tangible impact and is replicable, already reaching 33 rural communities with the aim of covering all 61 parish councils in Azuay. Its sustainability is guaranteed by the collaboration with public and private entities and the commitment of community facilitators. “Communities of Equity” is an innovative model for tackling gender violence, promoting equity and strengthening social inclusion in rural areas of Azuay.

• https://www.azuay.gob.ec/index.php/2023/08/21/prefectura-de-azuay-y-los-gads-se-unen-para-trabajar-en-ambiente-y-equidad-y-genero/  (External link)