Thirty-one women who are victims of trafficking have completed a training and scholarship program promoted by the Local Council of Madrid, aimed at empowering them towards self-sufficiency. The delegate for social, family, and gender equality policies, José Fernández, awarded the participants with diplomas this week, recognizing the successful completion of their training process. Through this program, the Madrid City Council enhances their employability, with the goal of achieving economic autonomy. Additionally, this project helps strengthen the self-esteem of these women and provides support in building a new life, leaving behind situations of violence.
«You are an example of self-determination and resilience, and the diplomas you hold are a testament to your strength during challenging times,» praised the delegate at the closing ceremony. At the same time, Fernández emphasized that this municipal initiative «is a crucial gateway to achieving economic and personal independence» for these women, offering them the ability to «break free from the past» and «look towards the future, setting new goals, new dreams, and continuing to play a significant role in society.»
The program, which has already launched several promotions, is targeted at women who have managed to escape situations of prostitution or are in the process of doing so, with the Local Council of Madrid also providing social intervention at the municipal conception center. The women received training in two fields: commerce and cleaning of surfaces and furniture in spaces and buildings. The courses were taught in the last quarter of 2024 at Mercamadrid.
Municipal Network for Victims of Violence in Macrison
The Madrid Municipal Council has a complete municipal network for women victims of violence, with specific resources for women affected by partner or ex-partner violence, cases of sexual violence, and contexts of sexual trafficking and exploitation.
In the specific field of trafficking, the council has the integral conception of the Arenal Center, a facility that provides victims with psychological, social, and legal intervention. Within this resource, a mobile unit is also operational with the aim of reaching trafficking victims for sexual exploitation and/or in prostitution contexts in various areas or spaces in the city of Madrid, providing information and referring them to specialized municipal services.
Furthermore, since December 2021, the Emergency Center for Victims of Trafficking, Mariana Pineda, has been operational, offering protected accommodation and comprehensive care for users for a maximum period of three months. To continue the intervention process, if necessary, the Municipal Council also has Casa Pandora, a protected accommodation where women under trafficking and other human rights abuses in prostitution contexts can stay for up to 12 months, and the Semi-Autonomous Malala floor, which meets the basic needs of women while focusing on forging an independent life.
