E-Moviliza and Urbano Envíos open space for women in logistics
- Thamires Pecis
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Through the E-Moviliza and E-Warmi projects, Urbano Envíos is taking active steps to promote electric mobility and gender inclusion in last-mile logistics in Quito. The partnership is already contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and people-centered urban delivery system in the city’s Historic Center.
Urbano Envíos, part of Grupo Urbano, one of Ecuador’s largest last-mile logistics groups, is known for its broad national reach and reliable delivery services. Today, its collaboration with the E-Moviliza project, implemented by UEMI, is strengthening the company’s commitment to clean transport and inclusive leadership in the logistics sector.
Women leading sustainable logistics
As part of this work, UEMI met three women from Urbano Envíos who are helping shape the transition from within: Carmem Gómez, Courier Operations Management Advisor; Mónica Duarte, Head of Operations for Quito and Guayaquil; and Norma Chicaiza, Courier Driver working in the Historic Center.
Each of them brings a different story; but all are united by a shared commitment to transforming logistics with empathy, resilience, and purpose. Carmem, who focuses on optimizing performance and operational models, remembers the early challenges of gaining trust from a large, predominantly male team of delivery riders:
“At the beginning, I was honestly a bit afraid. It’s a strong group of riders, known for their toughness. But over time, we’ve earned each other’s respect.”
Mónica manages a team of over 400 people and has had to break stereotypes in a male-dominated environment. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, proximity, and shared goals, showing that transformation doesn’t come from titles, but from how teams work together on the ground.
Greener deliveries
Under the E-Moviliza pilot, Urbano Envíos has started integrating electric bikes into its daily operations—responding to the urgent need for more sustainable delivery systems.
“We already have a group of riders working with e-bikes because we know and we’re very aware that we need to give the planet a chance,” says Carmem.
“Electromobility is an urgent issue that needs to be pushed forward quickly. It’s a solution to our climate challenges.”
The company’s growing investments in low-emission logistics reflect a clear direction: logistics must evolve to protect both the environment and the communities they serve.
More women on the move
Beyond cleaner vehicles, the collaboration with UEMI is also opening space for more women in the sector. Urbano Envíos currently employs 14 female couriers. Women are also taking on leadership roles in offices across Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Machala, Riobamba, and Tulcán.
For Norma Chicaiza, Courier Driver who works in San Roque and La Recoleta, this shift is essential:
“Sometimes women come to me and ask, ‘Does your company hire women?’ And I always say yes, I give them the address and encourage them to apply. I tell them the truth, it’s hard at first. But we support each other, especially among women.”
By combining climate action with gender inclusion, UEMI and Urbano Envíos are showing what it means to move toward greener cities; not just through new vehicles, but through new voices, values, and visions for mobility.
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