{"id":7822,"date":"2025-07-24T19:57:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T19:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fundacioncapital.org\/?p=7822"},"modified":"2025-10-29T16:37:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T16:37:44","slug":"el-internet-como-puente-para-la-inclusion-digital-y-financiera-para-las-mujeres-emprendedoras-de-latinoamerica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fundacioncapital.org\/eng\/el-internet-como-puente-para-la-inclusion-digital-y-financiera-para-las-mujeres-emprendedoras-de-latinoamerica\/","title":{"rendered":"The Internet as a Bridge for Digital and Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs in Latin America"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Written by: Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Escobar<\/a>, Gender and Livelihoods Coordinator at Fundaci\u00f3n Capital<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect, Support, and Transform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Internet connects people to information, networks, and opportunities that improve livelihoods and well-being. When combined with the power of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), its benefits multiply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abAmong the tools offered by Con-H\u00e9ctor, the price simulator was especially important. It helped me verify whether the prices I set for my products really align with the earnings I should be making. Con-H\u00e9ctor and Eleva made us think differently about our businesses and provided us with key tools to improve our profits and become better organized.\u00bb \u2013 Paula Andrea B., entrepreneur at Almac\u00e9n Sion<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Fundaci\u00f3n Capital, we use the Internet and technology to amplify the work of our teams in the field, support the plans of the people we work with, and scale our impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Con-H\u00e9ctor<\/a> is an AI-powered virtual assistant on WhatsApp that provides reliable, tailored information and simple tools to promote financial and digital inclusion. Eleva<\/a> is a digital partnership platform that connects people with information, opportunities, and networks to strengthen their capabilities, build assets, and improve their well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the technical and financial support of the Internet Society Foundation<\/a>, we implemented the initiative Conectadas in Colombia, reaching more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs who transformed the way they understand and use technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust, Make Mistakes, and Try Again<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Marcela, Rosa, Adelaida, Fanny, and M\u00f3nica, using digital tools became possible through a process of self-awareness, confidence, and hands-on learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abAs any gardener knows, for something to grow, it must be nurtured. With Con-H\u00e9ctor, I understood that Encyclia House is born from who I am and what I believe in. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a new drive to keep moving forward.\u00bb <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abIn Eleva, I found practical resources that I\u2019ve applied with heart. I learned to communicate better about what I do, connect with my audience, and reinforce my brand identity. All of this has made more people fall in love with our message.\u00bb \u2013 Johana M., entrepreneur at Encyclia House<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marcela Mesa, Encyclia House; Rosa Ortiz, Pantuflas Tutuy; Adelaida D\u00e1vila Dise\u00f1os; Fanny Lorena Narv\u00e1ez, GAVAMA; M\u00f3nica Bland\u00f3n, BIO-ARMONIK<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Distant to Possible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We shifted the perception of the Internet and technology from something distant and intimidating to something accessible and supportive. For women caregivers like Noelia, Carmen, Yolima, Marisol, and Angie, entrepreneurship became a way to generate income, express creativity, and contribute to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abTechnology was very useful and user-friendly. I learned more, it made things easier, and it gave me confidence. What I like most is that I can make mistakes and try again without fear of criticism.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abThis was like traveling to an unknown world. I\u2019ve been able to make many things come true that once felt distant or unreachable.\u00bb \u2013 Noelia Y., entrepreneur at Variedades Mal\u00fa<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Noelia Yaima, Variedades Mal\u00fa; Angie lucero Viteri, Aguaguaditas Postres; Marisol Concha, 3d GREEN; Carmen Contreras, Recicolor; Yolima del Carmen, Confecciones Yoli<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Connecting to Transform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We promote the use of the Internet to connect people, and we use AI to foster partnerships that help achieve shared goals. Today, women like Pastora, Nohelia, Ver\u00f3nica, Lady, and Johana Forero use these tools to strengthen their communities and build networks of women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abCreating promotional materials has helped me share everything I do more creatively to create a positive impact in my community.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abEleva is a beautiful space for making connections. Through my experience and leadership, I involve migrants, single mothers, and conflict victims in training processes that strengthen their knowledge and businesses.\u00bb \u2013 Pastora R., community leader and entrepreneur at Empanadas Pas<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pastora Ruiz, Empanadas Pas; Nohelia Rodriguez, Creartes MI PAKA; Ver\u00f3nica Zambrano, Silueta Ideal; Lady Melissa Narv\u00e1ez, Mi Mercado Artesanal; Johana Forero, Casa de Modas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Human-Centered AI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Johana, Alexandra, Dil, Hermenza, Alba, and Mildred show that it\u2019s possible to grow businesses and reach new markets with AI designed with people at the center. They now access resources that were once costly\u2014like promotional content\u2014save time calculating fair prices, and discover new opportunities for more equitable trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Johana Forero; Alexandra Velandia, Yoku\u2019s; Dil Neira Hern\u00e1ndez, Dil Artes; Hermenza Yalanda, Artesan\u00edas Misak Sofi; Alba Lucy Chamorro, Conectando Sue\u00f1os; Mildred Quintero, Reluce<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tools That Add Value<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We use the Internet to drive financial inclusion and integrate technology to support informed decision-making. Thanks to the Con-H\u00e9ctor Credit Simulator and Eleva\u2019s learning content, entrepreneurs like Paula, Carolina, Duby, Yuba, and Sonia now recognize the value of their work and know how to price their products and services fairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paula Andrea Benavides, ALMACEN SION, Carolina Jaramillo, SUE KEFIR; Duby Mora, DYBU Moda y Arte]; Yuba Delgado, Yuba \/ Artesan\u00edas, Arte hecho a mano; Sonia Meneses, PintArt<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Investing in MSMEs Is Investing in the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today we celebrate 25 women from Nari\u00f1o, Casanare, Huila, Cauca, and Cundinamarca\u2014but we know there are millions of entrepreneurs across Colombia and Latin America driving the region\u2019s economy forward. Investing in MSMEs is investing in sustainable development and innovation. Learn more about Conectadas in this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To learn more about our initiatives, follow us, reach out, and share.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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