Date published: May 11, 2015

At CEMEX we understand that mothers are a cornerstone of the family, of the community, and by extension, of society. For this reason we focus an important part of our efforts and resources on supporting women and mothers and contributing to their well-being.

Whether through strategic alliances with woman-oriented institutions around the world, or through internal programs, CEMEX works globally to implement several initiatives that have the common goal of promoting education, encouraging social entrepreneurship and providing support to help women be more self-sufficient.

CEMEX's alliance with the National Association for Personal Development (ANSPAC, for its initials in Spanish), a non-profit organization that offers self-improvement programs, has generated great community achievements and personal growth among women living in the vicinity of CEMEX's plants. In countries like Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama, CEMEX-ANSPAC programs have helped hundreds of women receive training in various disciplines but also support personal growth, self-esteem, and entrepreneurship in an inclusive group setting.

Recently in Torreón, Mexico we collaborated with the Municipal Institute for Women to offer a masonry course called Yo Construyo, which means "I build." The course, which provided the opportunity to learn a skill traditionally considered as solely for men, was taught by CEMEX experts and was very well received by the women of the region. On the other side of the world, in the Philippines, CEMEX successfully conducted its first seamstress training program for the community in Barangay San Jose, in Antipolo city. This program, which taught sewing and dressmaking skills, was certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, one of the most trusted government agencies in the area of education.

For more than six years now in Costa Rica we have offered technical development courses and behind each initiative have seen great examples of growth and overcoming obstacles. The Ebenezer Society is a small, pesticide-free vegetable farm led by eight female heads of household from the community near our Colorado de Abangares plant. At the community center in our Patarrá plant, more than 1,000 women have gained the knowledge to create their own businesses, and as part of these workshops CEMEX also organizes fairs for artisans and laborers.

Beyond just the technical training, as these programs help women be more self-sufficient, they also help to improve their self-esteem. Supporting women is and will continue to be an essential part of CEMEX's social commitment to drive the empowerment of our communities and the sustainable development of the countries in which we operate.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.


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