The (s)heroes among us: How Fundación María Amor and Mujeres Con Éxito changes women’s lives

By Jolene Wilson-Glah

Behind an inconspicuous green door on a quiet street just outside el Centro lies a refuge few people know about — but which saves lives every day. In a city where nine out of ten women experience some form of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, economical, psychological, emotional, or political, Fundación María Amor and Mujeres Con Éxito offer safety, dignity, empowerment, and the possibility of a future free from violence.

Mujeres Con Éxito (Women with Success) is part of Fundación María Amor, founded 21 years ago to support women facing violence and crisis. Another fundamental pillar of the foundation is its emergency hotline, which recently marked 20 years of uninterrupted service. At the heart of all these efforts is Diana Vázquez Bravo, co-coordinator and legal representative of Mujeres Con Éxito for 13 years and co-director of Marie Amor for five years.

Each branch of the foundation plays a different role. When someone calls the hotline, they are answered by a highly trained staff member who calmly assesses the situation and identifies the most appropriate support. Although services are primarily designed for adult women — who are legally able to make decisions — every caller receives guidance. Teenagers are referred to specialized organizations in Cuenca, and men are directed to appropriate services once the nature of their emergency is understood. No call ends without a referral or a path forward.

When a woman is referred to the shelter, she arrives with her children. The shelter’s location is strictly confidential. Immediate needs of the women and their children are met first — food, rest, clothing — before any discussion of next steps. Women are never forced to repeatedly recount their trauma in formal clinical settings. Instead, trust develops naturally while cooking, gardening, or sharing daily routines. Trained psychologists work sensitively with them, helping women and children plan for safer, independent futures.

The shelter itself is fully self-sustaining, with solar power, water treatment, gardens, and on-site laundry. Children are active participants in daily life in the kitchen and caring for animals such as rabbits or cuyes.  From an early age, they learn lessons about bodily autonomy, respect, care, love, and safety. They learn about and are encouraged to reflect on gender roles.  Breaking the cycle of violence begins with them.

Unlike many shelters worldwide, which limit stays to weeks or even days, Marie Amor imposes no time limit. As a result, women stay an average of three to six months, leaving with a personalized safety plan, essential documentation, emergency contacts, and financial guidance. Currently, 60 women and more than 80 children receive care through the shelter.

Women who do not require shelter are often referred to outpatient services where they form support groups, receive therapeutic care and legal advice. All women who receive shelter services are given the opportunity to be part of the vocational training at Mujeres Con Éxito. There, they receive paid training in cooking, catering, baking, and food production. The women learn their value while improving their skills. Daily almuerzos are served to the public at affordable prices, and catering services support events throughout the city. Forty-eight women are currently participating in these programs, earning income while building confidence and independence.

Recently, Mujeres Con Éxito expanded its work by acquiring Bernie’s Foods, allowing them to produce and sell packaged spice blends, preserves, baked goods, and fresh bread. Marie Amor understands the importance of sustainability, which is why, every Tuesday the 100% organic vegetables from the shelter garden are also sold at their San Sebastián location, turning sustainability into empowerment.

The urgency of this work is stark. Every 22 hours, a woman is murdered by a partner or family member in Ecuador. While governmental statistics narrowly define femicide, 351 women in Ecuador were killed in 2025, many of whose names are painted in purple on the bridge near Parque de la Madre — though only 36 are officially recognized as femicides.

Fundación María Amor’s methodology is recognized by UN Women. It is part of regional and global networks addressing gender-based violence, including UNHCR (United Nations High Commission on Refugees.)

In 2025, the foundation reached more than 3000 people through awareness-raising and reflection workshops on violence in schools, hospitals, clinics, transit systems, and public spaces. There is also a support group for teenaged boys.

A sign recently seen on Cuenca’s tranvía reads: “La violencia contra las mujeres y los niños no es ‘normal’. Es un delito.”   (Violence against women and children is not normal.  It is a crime.)

Diana acknowledges that this work is collective and has been made possible by the sensitivity of the technical team that carries it out – women who have made this work their way of life and their mission. When asked how she sustains this emotionally demanding work, Diana answers simply: “I meet women at their lowest point. When they leave, they are radiant—and they know they can say no.”

MUJERES CON EXITO
Emprendimientos Productivos
Baltazara de Calderón 2-26 y Miguel Vélez
2834139
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