By reducing teen pregnancy and supporting girls’ education and leadership, Las Claras is breaking a cycle of poverty and exclusion.

Low levels of sex education and a culture of machismo contribute to high rates of teen pregnancy, the impact of which is worsened by stigmas that force expecting teens out of school and young mothers to stay home and not work. This forced isolation is also a risk factor for higher rates of domestic violence. All of this virtually guarantees their daughters will experience similar circumstances. The result is a cycle of exclusion and poverty that is almost impossible to break from within.

Las Claras interrupts this cycle with a holistic model that emphasizes both school and career training, helps women avoid unwanted marriages, helps teens avoid pregnancy, and helps ensure young mothers remain in social and economic life. Indeed, with the leadership education in addition to career skills, Las Claras ensures women who graduate from its programs are out front and thriving.

Gisela Porras, Panama’s former Vice Minister of Finance, is working to eradicate harmful conditions for women and girls that perpetuate poverty and social exclusion.

Porras is also the founder of Voces Vitales (Vital Voices) Panama, which brings together women from the business, public, and non-profit sector to advance women’s issues and women’s leadership. She currently serves as their Chair.