A Mano Manaba

FAMM is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable groups, especially youth and women through a dynamic blend of formal and informal educational initiatives. Our dedication to building gender equity involves collaborating with individuals of all genders, fostering a secure environment for learning, and challenging ingrained stereotypes and norms that marginalize girls and women. Frequented by over 100 members per week, our library is an example that other communities in rural coastal Ecuador have replicated. Emerging in the wake of the 2016 earthquake that devastated coastal Ecuador, our educational programs contribute to (1) Eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly in the realm of teenage pregnancy, by providing sports and art programs; (2) Cultivating gender equity by conducting workshops that build women’s skills and encourage their leadership; (3) Promoting environmental awareness through field trips, gender-sensitive educational materials, and incorporation of local Indigenous knowledge.