Through The signing of an agreement plans to develop initiatives for PRODEMU beneficiaries and activities focused on academics, officials and students of the University and representatives of the Foundation. 

A group of 12 women who make up the Rihuerma Cooperative, from the Matancilla sector in Canela, who are dedicated to the production and sale of hydroponic lettuce, are the first to benefit from the collaboration agreement signed between the Foundation for the Promotion and Development of Women (PRODEMU) and the University of La Serena. With them, the study house is already working on a diagnosis and assessment of needs and subsequently a support proposal will be generated, for example, in optimizing hydroponic cultivation with new technologies.

This agreement precisely aims to develop collaborative activities and actions in pursuit of the strengthening and empowerment of women in the region. Thus, it is planned to develop joint initiatives for PRODEMU beneficiaries; and also activities focused on academics, officials and students of the University, together with representatives of the Foundation. In addition, the holding of talks, seminars and workshops is contemplated; the coordination of internships and thesis development of University students; reciprocal internships, among other actions.

“I would like to highlight the leadership of PRODEMU in its area of ​​action at the regional level, where its experience will be a valuable contribution to enrich the training work carried out by our University, allowing innovation in teaching approaches, involving, for example, the business perspective. and entrepreneurial in a transversal way in the study plans,” said the Academic Vice-Rector, Dr. Alejandra Torrejón, representing the Rector, Dr. Luperfina Rojas.

He added that this agreement allows for the creation of bridges between academia, companies and institutions, to energize the regional innovation ecosystem in a collaborative manner, a topic that is currently of vital importance for higher education institutions.

For the Regional Director of PRODEMU, Luis Astorga, this collaboration with the state university of the Coquimbo Region will help strengthen work with women, for example, in the rural sector, enhancing the work with our entrepreneurs. The expertise will be reinforced with joint work with the higher education institution.”

Opinion shared by the Seremi for Women and Gender Equality of Coquimbo, María Fernanda Glaser, who valued the agreement with USerena, indicating that “it contributes to reaching the territory in a better way with instances that will benefit the women of our region.”

While the Director of Liaison with the Environment and Extension, Mg. Carlos Varas highlighted that “as an institution, we are establishing these agreements so that, through training programs and our academic units, we have the possibility of supporting PRODEMU, especially its beneficiaries. That is the great focus we have with this agreement,” adding that the University is already working on joint initiatives.