In Rio, Caixa Econômica launches the Favela Women Program

As part of the Women’s Week celebrations, Caixa Econômica Federal launched this Friday (10th), in Rio de Janeiro, the first social innovation laboratory through the Mulheres de Favela program. In the initial phase, R$ 16.6 million from Fundo Socioambiental Caixa will be invested. In addition to Rio, two laboratories are planned in Salvador and São Paulo in the coming months. According to the bank, the social innovation laboratory is a space for research, training and practical training for residents, in addition to promoting listening circles for the design of future actions. Participating women are welcomed and trained to start or scale their business to achieve financial independence. The proposal was developed by the company Impact Hub, which will also carry out research and training. The expectation is that 300 women will be trained in each laboratory, after 45 days of practical training. Another 1,500 are expected to participate in online workshops and other activities. Maria Rita Serrano idea is to guarantee the emancipation of women – Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil The opening event was held at Complexo da Penha, in the north of the city, where the project will be developed. According to the president of Caixa, Maria Rita Serrano, the idea of ​​the program is to guarantee the emancipation of women and entrepreneurship, because they have the capacity to change their reality and improve the lives of their families. “I want to highlight how the power of social justice, of the social programs of a government committed to the population, is capable of changing lives. The strength of Caixa joins the power of the favela and women”, said the executive. The Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, Wellington Dias, emphasized that people want to have opportunities to change their lives. “That is, qualification and access to a condition to run a business. Dream, believe and make it happen”, said the minister. For the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, the program will bring employability and social protection to women. “It is necessary to guide security, education and employability in the favelas”, said the minister. According to the first lady, Janja Lula da Silva, residents have to help consolidate the Mulheres de Favela program. “Public policies are not made by a government. They are state policies and are for the population. This project belongs to you women and will discover many talents”, said Janja. Cufa With 20 years of experience in the political, social, sports and cultural spheres, the Central Única das Favelas (Cufa) is the bank’s partner in the program. Based on this cooperation, Caixa has been deepening its knowledge of the local reality and the real needs of the population, with the aim of developing and implementing social impact strategies that act directly in the territory and focus on women and children. National president of Cufa, Preto Zezé – Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil The president of Cufa, Preto Zezé, highlighted that the program is important to produce another narrative that removes the favela from the police news, tragic news and sadness. “This is the fight that Cufa has undertaken, to be able to bring the favela closer to public power and carry out policies that last,” he said. Courses and workshops The social innovation laboratory hosts several workshops on entrepreneurship, organization and financial education, pricing, as well as a business incubator, company formalization services, accounting guidance and banking products. During the operation of the space, women will be able to choose up to three professional qualification courses. With a focus on the circular economy, the upcycling workshop is one of the main training initiatives, where participants will learn how to transform waste and recyclable materials into products to be sold. Makeup, manicure, braiding and eyebrow design workshops will also be available for interested parties to choose from. In Caixa’s service space, financial education actions will be promoted, guidance on the use of Caixa Tem and other services related to the bank, such as FGTS, housing and social benefits. The Kids Space will also be available, where activities will be carried out with the children while the mothers or guardians participate in the laboratory.

Agência Brasil