Brazilian municipalities launch vocational courses to empower women in Araraquara and Barcarena

The Araraquara city hall’s Division of Professional Qualification organized a July 14‑22 course on sweets and savory foods for 22 women in the city's Zona Norte. The training, delivered by Empresa Foco and taught by Amanda Sene Ciomino, provided certification in food preparation, production organization and good practices, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and job entry in the local food sector.

In Barcarena, the municipal Secretariat of Labour and Employment (Semute) certified 425 participants on 17 July after completing courses and workshops under the "Reutilizar para Preservar" project. Covering eight qualification courses across 22 communities, the initiative focused on solidary economy, sustainable entrepreneurship and largely targeted women. Secretary Bianca Vergolino said the effort "brought professional qualification and new opportunities to many communities," while Deputy Mayor Cristina Vilaça highlighted its potential to "transform lives" by strengthening autonomy and income generation.