By San José, Costa Rica — Eighty women entrepreneurs from rural and coastal regions across Costa Rica celebrated their graduation from a specialized training program focused on green and blue economy initiatives. The program, a collaborative effort between the National Institute of Women (Inamu), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (Catie), equipped these women with the skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.
Participants hailed from the Chorotega, Huetar Caribe, Pacífico Central, and Brunca regions, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the program. The training covered a comprehensive curriculum, including business models, finance, marketing, and negotiation. Critically, the program also integrated training on climate change, gender equality, and sustainability, ensuring a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.
To provide legal context on the multifaceted aspects of women’s empowerment, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
True women’s empowerment requires not only social and cultural shifts but also robust legal frameworks that guarantee equal opportunities and protection under the law. This includes ensuring equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation, as well as strong legal recourse against discrimination and violence. Empowering women legally is not just a matter of fairness; it’s essential for sustainable economic and social development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical link between legal frameworks and genuine women’s empowerment. His emphasis on equal access and protection under the law as cornerstones of sustainable development resonates deeply, reminding us that progress hinges on both societal change and robust legal backing. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
The initiative, titled “Green and Blue Connection: Sustainable Enterprises Led by Women,” aimed to empower participants to create businesses that are not only economically viable but also contribute to environmental conservation and community revitalization.
According to Inamu, the program seeks to strengthen the capacities of women entrepreneurs so that their projects are not only economically viable, but also contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and the economic reactivation of their communities.
Each region hosted its own graduation ceremony, providing a platform for the newly trained entrepreneurs to share their learnings, celebrate their achievements, and discuss the challenges they faced. These events also fostered valuable networking opportunities, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and mutual support.
The program organizers noted that the graduation ceremonies sparked new ideas and connections, enabling participants to further strengthen their businesses and expand their local impact. The initiative, which began in September 2024, aligns with the institutional strategies of Inamu, CAF, and Catie to promote sustainable development with a gender focus in traditionally underserved areas.
This program represents a significant step towards empowering women in Costa Rica to become leaders in the green and blue economy. By providing them with the necessary tools and resources, the initiative not only fosters economic growth but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future for the country.
The success of this program highlights the importance of investing in women’s entrepreneurship and providing targeted support to address the unique challenges faced by women in business. It also underscores the potential of the green and blue economy to create opportunities for sustainable development and community revitalization in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About National Institute of Women (Inamu):
The National Institute of Women (Inamu) is a Costa Rican government agency dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Inamu works to eliminate discrimination against women, advance their rights, and ensure their full participation in all aspects of society.
For further information, visit caf.com
About Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF):
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) is a development bank that promotes sustainable development and regional integration in Latin America. CAF provides financing and technical assistance for projects in various sectors, including infrastructure, social development, and the environment.
For further information, visit catie.ac.cr
About Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (Catie):
The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (Catie) is a regional center dedicated to research and education in agriculture, natural resource management, and sustainable development. Catie works to improve livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering society is evident in its proactive approach to legal education and community outreach, ensuring that legal knowledge becomes a tool for positive change and a foundation for a more just and informed society.
