Building Equality in Vichada: The Women’s Circle Project
October 06, 2025
Project Updates
The Vichada Climate Reforestation Project has held Gold Standard certification since 2006, making it one of the first in Colombia to demonstrate that climate action can also drive social progress. Over nearly two decades, the project has restored ecosystems, created fair employment, and opened new opportunities for local communities — especially women.
One initiative that reflects this approach is the Women’s Circle. Initially created to address the everyday challenges faced by women in the Las Bonitas camp, it has evolved into a space for open exchange, learning, and mutual support. In 2025, the Circle continues with a structured programme of activities, focusing on strengthening dialogue, confidence, and collaboration among women.
Why It Matters
In many rural parts of Colombia, women face limited opportunities for education and employment, which affects their economic and social participation. Lack of access to basic services and formal jobs often reinforces inequality and makes it difficult for women to take part in community decision-making.
In Vichada, these disparities are visible. Today, the project employs 329 people, of whom 97 are women—around 30 percent. While this figure is above the national average for rural employment, it shows that there is still room to create spaces where women can build skills, confidence, and professional perspectives.
“At Imber Bosques, about 30 percent of our employees are women,” says Anna Maria Montaja Zclcaga, Social Management Coordinator at InverBosques, FORLIANCE’s local project partner. “Many of them started as operators and have since become assistants or project coordinators. They’ve received training in agroforestry and gained the confidence to take on leadership roles.”
Community Leader Anna Maria Montaja Zclcaga coordinates social and community initiatives at Imber Bosques, including the Women’s Circle.
Building Skills and Confidence
The Women’s Circle is part of a broader set of social projects coordinated by Ana María’s team. One of these is “Embracing Change,” a programme largely led by women.
“More than half of the participants in this programme are women,” Ana María explains. “We’ve trained them in leadership, project design, and conflict resolution. Together, they created a small library and a space for leisure and physical activity — initiatives that they planned and implemented themselves.”
Beyond these internal activities, the project also supports local communities through practical measures — for example, by contributing to the local boarding school for 120 children, setting up water purification systems, improving internet access, and supporting training in honey production.
The Women’s Circle
The Women’s Circle was launched in 2023, initially linked to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It aims to give women a safe space to talk, reflect, and support each other.
“We wanted to create an intimate space where women could connect and strengthen their personal and professional goals,” says Anna Maria. “We’ve discussed topics such as menstrual health, ancestral medicine, and the different forms of gender-based violence that can occur in everyday life.”
Each meeting brings together women from different areas of the project to exchange experiences and ideas. The sessions combine practical and creative methods such as storytelling, painting, and group discussions. Themes include self-confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and empathy.
Approach and Methods
The Circle follows a participatory approach, encouraging women to actively shape the agenda. Common elements include:
- Personal storytelling and listening sessions
- Informal conversations over coffee
- Group reflections supported by photos, short films, or guiding questions
- Creative expression through collage, painting, and mandalas
This combination of dialogue and creativity allows participants to explore personal and professional topics in an approachable way.
“It’s not about big results,” Anna Maria says, “but about small steps that make a difference in how women see themselves and relate to others.”
Early Results
Even though the Women’s Circle is still developing, participants have already shared positive experiences. Many describe feeling more confident in their roles, more connected with colleagues, and better equipped to manage challenges.
The initiative also contributes to broader sustainability goals, particularly:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – supporting equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering fair and inclusive employment.
Looking Ahead
The Women’s Circle will continue in 2025 with regular sessions focusing on self-development, leadership, and collective action. The project team plans to document stories, reflections, and creative outputs in a booklet — preserving the voices of the women who are shaping the future of their communities in Vichada.
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