E-Warmi: leadership and empowerment for women in electromobility

We’re excited to officially launch the E-Warmi: Leadership and Empowerment Training Programme in E-Mobility, an initiative created to strengthen women’s leadership, autonomy, and participation in Quito’s e-mobility sector. 

This groundbreaking programme provides technical and educational tools to help more women become key players in the shift toward a sustainable, fair, and gender-inclusive mobility future. Through workshops, mentoring, and collaborative spaces, we’re building a shared path toward a cleaner, more innovative, and equitable city. 

Participants engage in the first E-Warmi workshop, a programme empowering women to lead in Quito’s sustainable electromobility transition

A transformative first workshop 

This workshop marked the kickoff of E-Warmi: Leadership and Empowerment Training in Electromobility. The first session set the stage for what promises to be a transformative journey toward more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility. 

The day started with a warm welcome, introducing the programme’s goals and highlighting why it’s so important to strengthen women’s roles in the electromobility sector. 

Next came an engaging Colorimetry Workshop, where participants explored the link between personal image, confidence, and self-expression. This creative and reflective space allowed women to reconnect with their identities and consider how visual presentation can support their empowerment. 

Read also about the Electric Bus Familiarization Course

Following that, the Leadership and Assertive Communication session focused on recognizing personal strengths, developing leadership styles, and improving communication skills rooted in clarity, respect, and empathy. Participants shared their experiences and built meaningful connections that will continue to grow throughout the programme. 

The second session: technical skills and emotional leadership

The second session combined technical knowledge, emotional connection, and collective learning.

The day started with a masterclass on electromobility, led by Miguel Sáenz, Commercial Manager of BYD Ecuador, who shared the initiatives the company is driving in the country, along with a clear explanation of how electric vehicles work, their benefits, and their future projections. An opportunity to explore the real challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.

Following the masterclass, the session continued with a workshop on Emotional Intelligence for Personal and Professional Leadership, guided by Mauricio Posso. Through interactive dynamics, music, and reflection, participants learned to recognize their emotions and lead with empathy, authenticity, and meaningful connection with others.

Hands-on experience and electric vehicle test drives mark third E-Warmi session

The third session of the training brought the E-Warmi participants face-to-face with real-world electromobility.

Hosted in partnership with BYD Eléctrico Ecuador and the Cooperativa de Transportes Guadalajara, the session offered a hands-on learning experience in the cooperative’s workshop.

Guided by technical experts, the women deepened their understanding of electric vehicle operation, maintenance, and industry challenges; and, for the first time, took the driver’s seat of an electric bus and taxi. For many, this was a transformative moment, affirming not only their knowledge but their confidence and readiness to take on new roles in sustainable mobility.

Final session of the E-Warmi: Leadership and Empowerment Training in electromobility

The final session began with a hands-on workshop on customer service, designed to strengthen communication skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex situations in public and last-mile transport. Through participatory exercises, the group explored practical tools to deliver inclusive, respectful, and high-quality service.

The session continued with a Closing Master Panel, where participants shared reflections on the program’s key takeaways and heard from inspiring women leaders in electromobility and urban transport. This exchange created space to consolidate knowledge and envision new professional pathways.

Interactive activities, raffles, and prizes helped maintain the energy and deepen the sense of community built throughout the training. To formally close the program, certificates of participation were awarded, a recognition of the dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm shown by each participant.

This final gathering brought the group together one last time, reinforcing the power of women’s leadership in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable mobility future.

Shaping a gender-inclusive mobility future 

The "E-Mobility as a Driver for Change - Towards a gender transformative and just transition to electric mobility" funded by the Federal Ministry For Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by UNEP is a collective process where women lead the way in shaping the future of sustainable mobility. 

Vanessa Lasso, part of the E-Warmi team says that the first session of the E-Warmi workshop started with a lot of enthusiasm

“All the women participants showed interest in the program. Most of them were encouraged to participate, which allowed this session to be full of energy. It is truly inspiring to be part of a team that has a strong commitment to this program.” 

E-Warmi empowers women and drives Ecuador’s transition to electric mobility by combining sustainable transport solutions with gender equality, hands-on training, and inclusive policy innovation. 

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