Sustainable Employment for Long-term Inclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects in Colombia. For instance, the mandatory confinement measures lasted for over 7 months, which has meant that the economy and the private sector have had a slow recovery. Hence, the economic inclusion of our teenage mothers has also been slow. 

Between July and September, the Employment and Entrepreneurhsip Office (EEO) identified 194 job vacancies that suit Juanfe's beneficiaries vocational profiles. In addition, 47 young mothers entered the formal labor market, of which 18 signed long-term contracts.

There were 24 virtual workshops focused on soft skills, entrepreneurship, biosafety for different vocational profiles, mental health, among other topics. In addition, there were 2 virtual courses, one on decoration and corporate gifts, and the other one on executive secretariat. 

As these young mothers enter the formal labor market, they:

• Contribute to the social security system
• Access quality health and other wellbeing services
• Ensure the generation of stable income
• Maintain their jobs and are recognized for their work and their human quality
• Acquire economic autonomy
• Reinvest in ther families and contribute to the generation of local GDP.

Due to the food insecurity caused by the pandemic, the Foundation implemented a strategy to deliver food aid for the beneficiaries and their families. Between July and September, Juanfe delivered approximately 300 grocery cards to the alumni. 

These women also have had permanent access to psychosocial care and sexual and reproductive health orientation.