In a rapidly evolving world of work, millions of women continue to face barriers to accessing real opportunities for training, employment, and professional growth. Digital transformation, automation, and new market dynamics are creating new possibilities, but also new challenges, especially for women with fewer educational and economic opportunities. It is in this context that NOVA – New Skills, New Opportunities: Women in Latin America – was created, an international project co-funded by the European Union that aims to strengthen the professional, digital, and entrepreneurial skills of women in Colombia and Ecuador.

NOVA is not just a training programme. It is an initiative that invests in the talent, inclusion, and transformative power of Latin American women.

A Project to Build the Future

The main objective of NOVA is to reduce inequalities in access to the labour market through innovative vocational training programmes, career guidance, and the development of key skills for the 21st century. Using a modern, participatory approach, the project will focus on key areas such as:

• Digital skills

• Entrepreneurship
• Transversal skills
• Employability
• Educational Innovation
• Links with businesses and labour market stakeholders

The project also promotes collaboration among vocational training centres, companies, social organisations, and international institutions, creating a network for sustainable support and growth.

Women, Talent, and New Opportunities

In Latin America, many women continue to work in informal conditions or face difficulties accessing stable and well-paid jobs. NOVA seeks to address this reality by providing practical tools to strengthen participants’ economic and professional autonomy.

 The initiative will pay particular attention to women at risk of social exclusion, facilitating access to innovative training resources and employment opportunities.

Because talent exists. What is often missing are opportunities. Porque el talento existe. Lo que muchas veces falta son las oportunidades.

Training with Real Impact

One of NOVA’s most innovative features is its practical approach aligned with real labour market needs. The project will develop:

• Hybrid training programmes (face-to-face and online)
• Career guidance services
• Mentoring
• Open educational resources
• Employability enhancement tools
• Business collaboration networks

Furthermore, the project will work directly with productive-sector stakeholders to identify the skills currently most in demand and adapt training accordingly.

An International Alliance for Change

NOVA brings together international partners committed to educational innovation, equal opportunities, and sustainable development.

 Collaboration between Europe and Latin America will enable the sharing of methodologies, experiences, and best practices to generate sustainable impact beyond the project itself.

An Explosion of Possibilities

The name NOVA represents exactly that: an explosion of energy, growth, and transformation. Every new skill acquired opens new doors.
 Every opportunity creates change.
 Every woman who gains greater autonomy also transforms her community. NOVA seeks to build a future in which more women can access new opportunities, develop their potential, and actively contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable society.