E-Mobility and Gender in Ecuador
About E-Mobility & Gender Ecuador
The global shift to electric mobility is crucial for mitigating the transport sector's significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, which is poised to surpass 30% of total global emissions by the future. This sector, also a major contributor to air pollution and short-lived climate pollutants, is expected to see its vehicle fleet double by 2050, with over 90% of this growth occurring in low and middle-income countries. Achieving a cleaner transport sector requires a multifaceted approach, including well-designed urban spaces, enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure, increased public transport, and cleaner, more efficient vehicle fleets featuring electric vehicles (EVs). Over the past two decades, advancements in EV technology have reduced costs and environmental impacts, making them a viable solution to overcome barriers and drive broader adoption. The global Electric Mobility Programme supports this transition by collaborating with international organizations, private sector partners, and financial institutions to implement strategies and policies that accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in low and middle-income countries. This includes UEMI’s focused efforts in Ecuador, where they are driving significant local initiatives such as developing baseline reports, proposing new project phases, and facilitating training for women in the e-mobility sector.
UEMI's Role in Ecuador as Part of the Global Electric Mobility Programme
As part of a broader global initiative to promote electric mobility, the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) is significantly contributing to the transition to sustainable transport in Ecuador. This effort is aligned with the global SOLUTIONSplus project, which spans 50 countries and aims to foster a cleaner, more efficient transport sector through the adoption of electric vehicles and other sustainable practices. UEMI’s work in Ecuador is a key component of this larger program, focusing on tailored solutions that address local challenges while contributing to global goals.
The SOLUTIONSplus programme is a comprehensive global initiative designed to accelerate the transition to electric mobility worldwide. By supporting low- and middle-income countries, the programme addresses key barriers to electric vehicle adoption and promotes sustainable transport solutions through technical assistance, policy advocacy, and capacity-building. It involves collaboration with international organizations, governments, and private sector partners to develop and implement strategies that enhance the deployment of electric vehicles, improve urban transport infrastructure, and foster inclusive, equitable access to new mobility technologies. The programme’s holistic approach ensures that efforts are not only targeted but also integrated across various levels—national, regional, and global—to drive meaningful and lasting change.
UEMI’s Key Contributions in Ecuador
Country Baseline Report and Project Development:
UEMI has conducted an in-depth baseline report on Ecuador’s transport sector, which serves as a foundation for the country’s transition to electric mobility. This report has been crucial in shaping the development of a proposal for Phase II of the SOLUTIONSplus project, which aims to further expand and accelerate electric mobility initiatives in Ecuador.
Empowering Women in E-Mobility:
UEMI is dedicated to promoting gender equality within the e-mobility sector. In Ecuador, UEMI has trained 17 women to obtain their driver’s licenses and has worked closely with Quito's PTO Municipal to streamline regulations that will facilitate quicker and easier access for women to enter e-mobility jobs. This initiative is part of UEMI’s broader goal of increasing female representation in the transport sector and ensuring that women play a central role in the transition to sustainable mobility.
Collaboration with Local Institutions:
UEMI has established strong partnerships with key local institutions, including the Ministry of Transport and the National Polytechnic School (EPN). These collaborations have led to the organization of various training workshops and capacity-building programs focused on enhancing the skills of transport sector professionals in sustainable practices and electric mobility.
Empowering Women through Sustainable Mobility Workshop
A cornerstone of UEMI’s efforts in Ecuador is the SOLUTIONSplus workshop titled "Empowering Women through Sustainable Mobility," held from June 23 to 30, 2024. This workshop targeted women leaders from waste picker associations Buena Esperanza de Pichincha and ASOREUN, as well as bicycle courier associations in Quito. In partnership with Fundación Red Sostenible, the workshop aimed to equip these women with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and emerge as stronger leaders within their organizations.
Workshop Highlights:
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Practical Training: Participants engaged in hands-on training focused on the safe and efficient operation of electric cargo bikes, essential for their roles in waste collection and deliveries.
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Leadership Development: The workshop emphasized leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, and assertiveness, which are vital for empowering women within their organizations and creating a supportive work environment.
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Women’s Rights and Safety: The workshop also addressed critical issues such as women’s rights in the workplace, strategies to prevent gender-based violence, and ways to improve working conditions, ensuring a safe and equitable environment.
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Sustainability Practices: Participants learned to integrate environmentally friendly practices into their daily operations, contributing to the overall sustainability of Quito.
The workshop was delivered through six intensive sessions, each lasting four hours, and was led by a team of experienced instructors from the urban cycling school "Muévete en Bici" and TacuriBike y Workshop. Upon completion, participants received training materials and ongoing support, enabling them to share their newly acquired skills and knowledge with others in their communities.
Impact and Future Directions
UEMI’s initiatives in Ecuador are not only advancing the adoption of electric mobility but also fostering social inclusion and gender equality within the transport sector. By empowering women leaders and providing them with the tools to succeed, UEMI is helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable transport system in Ecuador.
These efforts in Ecuador are part of the larger SOLUTIONSplus programme, which drives change across 50 countries. UEMI’s work highlights the importance of local action in achieving global sustainability goals, demonstrating how tailored solutions can effectively address specific regional needs while contributing to the worldwide transition to electric mobility.