An initiative committed to expanding opportunities for pregnant women and young mothers in Monte Sinaí

Guayaquil, August 6, 2026. Every woman has aspirations, abilities, and her own life goals. However, for many pregnant women and young mothers, barriers to accessing education, healthcare, and new opportunities can make it more difficult to continue pursuing those goals. In this context, supporting them means recognizing their potential, strengthening their capacities, and creating better conditions for them to make decisions and move toward the goals they have set for themselves.

With this commitment, the Centro de Desarrollo y Autogestión (DYA), the Diakonía Food Bank, and LAB-XXI, together with Corporación Superior, Ales, and Corporación Favorita, inaugurated Project AURA: “Supporting Your Journey, Strengthening Your Future,” an initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities, well-being, and opportunities of pregnant women and young mothers in Monte Sinaí, Guayaquil.

The inauguration took place on August 6 at DYA’s headquarters in Sergio Toral 1, Monte Sinaí, and brought together 32 women participating in the project, representatives from partner organizations and companies, members of the technical team, and members of the community. Among those in attendance were Mónica Echeverría, General Coordinator of the Diakonía Food Bank; Juan Benavides, Operations Manager at LAB-XXI; Alexandra Camacho, representative of Ales; as well as Francisco Salazar and Kerly Cedeño, Project Coordinators.

The Beginning of a Shared Journey

During the inauguration, the project’s objectives and components were presented, highlighting the value of collaboration among civil society, the private sector, and social organizations in developing responses to complex challenges.

Over the six-month implementation period, AURA will support participants through three main areas: Life Skills, Comprehensive Health, and Educational Reintegration. Through these components, the project seeks to strengthen their capacities and autonomy, promote their physical and emotional well-being, and support them in resuming, continuing, or strengthening their educational pathways.

As part of the event, the first session of the Comprehensive Health component was also held, facilitated by DYA’s technical team. Using a participatory methodology, the session created space for participants to share experiences, reflect, and begin building knowledge based on their own lived experiences. The event concluded with a space for motivation and commitment, followed by the distribution of kits and refreshments for participants.

“AURA represents an opportunity to walk alongside these women, recognizing their capacities, aspirations, and all the potential they have to build their own futures. We want this process to provide them with tools, support, and confidence so they can continue moving toward their goals and making decisions about their own life projects.”

Francisco Salazar Project Coordinator – DYA

With the inauguration of AURA, a process begins that seeks to ensure that becoming a mother does not mean giving up one’s own opportunities. Through comprehensive support and the strengthening of capacities and support networks, the project aims to help more young women care for their well-being, strengthen their autonomy, and continue building their life projects with greater opportunities for the future.