In the heart of San Salvador, the Foro Mujer Digital event celebrated the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Salvadorian women. Through this vibrant gathering, women entrepreneurs who had completed the CIPE and Salvadorian Association for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES) program demonstrated how the trainings helped them expand their businesses.
Addressing Challenges and Thriving in the Digital Space
One participant in the event was Marina Hernandez, the founder of Altagracia, a tropical fruit wine business. As we stood at her booth, Marina spoke about how digital training has helped her grow her business beyond the local market. “Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been incredibly helpful,” Marina said. “The program has opened so many opportunities for us,” she continued, “It has helped me grow my business and connect with a wider audience.”
As I moved from booth to booth, I spoke with other women who shared how they now use e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and innovative technologies. Participants also gained valuable insights into how to protect their businesses from digital threats, such as cybersecurity risks and data privacy breaches. These lessons are particularly crucial in a country where women face heightened risks in the digital space, from cyber threats to gender-based violence (GBV) and online harassment.
Luisa Rivera, founder of the advertising business Akira Box, shared how the business digitalization course empowered her to overcome challenges as a woman entrepreneur in the digital world. “One of the biggest challenges I face online is dealing with negativity and bias,” she reflected. Initially, Luisa’s efforts were centered on improving her businesses’ social media presence, a focus she showcased with pride through her portfolio of campaigns. However, the course broadened her perspective, introducing her to a suite of digital tools she had previously overlooked. These technologies have enabled her to offer more dynamic services to her clients. “Technology plays such a crucial role in our business now. We use it to not only track metrics but also to build a community with our clients,” she explained. For Luisa, the program was a transformative experience, equipping her with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the digital landscape.
As I continued my walk through the fair, I stopped by Marisol de Barahona’s booth, the founder of Aprendamos Juntos (Learning Together), a business which provides training and coaching for other businesses. Marisol’s booth featured a display of her services, including leadership and emotional intelligence training, with digital content and testimonials from businesses she now collaborates with. “Thanks to the digital tools I’ve learned about, I can now offer my services internationally,” she explained. Marisol now uses LinkedIn and Zoom to reach businesses in the United States, providing training in areas such as teamwork, leadership, and emotional management. “This journey has helped me understand myself better and allowed me to offer my services globally,” she said.
Celebrating the Power of Digital Inclusion
The Foro Mujer Digital was not just an event to showcase entrepreneurial achievements, but a celebration of the power of digital inclusion and expanding economic opportunity. As the participants shared their stories, it was clear that the skills they acquired through the CIPE-FUSADES partnership have not only helped them grow their businesses but also empowered them to take control of their businesses and their futures. From expanding customer bases to reaching international markets, the impact of digital transformation and innovation was undeniable.
As Marina adeptly put it, “Success comes from wanting to achieve your goals and working toward them.” For these women, the journey of digital transformation has just begun. Their successes are a testament to the strength of their determination and the power of digital tools and economic freedom.
Published Date: December 26, 2024