Pro Mujer, MetLife to Empower Women in Mexico's Southeast

Pro Mujer, a social enterprise dedicated to advancing gender equality in Latin America for over 33 years, has partnered with MetLife Foundation to support 4,000 women in Mexico's southeast. MetLife Foundation granted US$500,000 to bolster Pro Mujer's health and skill development projects in the country since 2001.

The 24-month grant aims to directly impact women in vulnerable rural and indigenous communities, strengthening the organization's work in Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Yucatan, while expanding into Veracruz and Quintana Roo. These regions face significant poverty rates exceeding 50%, marked social disparities, and limited access to basic services, according to CONEVAL data. 

The initiative will benefit 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs through Pro Mujer's Emprende program. This hybrid and virtual platform offers educational content tailored to various business stages, enabling women to acquire digital, leadership, management, personal development, financial, and sales skills. Since its launch in 2022, the hybrid model has proven effective in Mexico's southeast. An extensive evaluation by Grupo Impacta revealed that 84% of women significantly improved their business practices, with 73% feeling empowered to advance their enterprises.

Additionally, Pro Mujer will provide health support through awareness initiatives and programs targeting over 3,000 women. Participants will access 1,000 free mammograms, services for breast cancer, diabetes, and sexual and reproductive health. Moreover, health education on preventive measures and timely detection will be reinforced with the assistance of three health chatbots, focusing on the mentioned diseases.

"We see women as agents of change, capable of creating, driving progress, and transforming their lives, families, and communities. Strengthening our impact in Mexico's southeast, where six out of 10 women live in extreme poverty, is imperative for the organization, and I am proud to achieve it alongside an ally like MetLife Foundation," underscored Carmen Correa, CEO, Pro Mujer.  

Alfredo Esparza, President, MetLife Mexico Foundation, highlighted the commitment of the foundation to supporting more women with job opportunities through entrepreneurship, professional training, and health care, building healthy communities in the southeast.