Lisa Mc Mullan and Cynthia Aimé Flores López | Enterprise Evolution

A global team from Enterprise Evolution and The Women’s Organisation is leading the impact verification of World Bank-funded initiative that empowers women in rural Mexico. The programme developed in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, is designed to enhance women’s knowledge, foster peer learning, and support the development of women-led enterprises in Indigenous and rural communities.

The initiative is undergoing W+ Standard verification, an internationally recognised certification that measures and rewards projects generating significant social and economic benefits for women.

Working alongside SAN UK, Lisa Mc Mullan and Cynthia Aimé Flores López from Enterprise Evolution and The Women’s Organisation are leading the verification process.

“This project is remarkable because it was designed by Indigenous and rural communities themselves to fit their unique contexts,” said Cynthia Aimé Flores López, an international practitioner with Enterprise Evolution and The Women’s Organisation based in the UK and Ireland. “It’s not just about providing financial resources but also about ensuring women and young people have the skills, leadership, and opportunities to sustain livelihoods in their home communities.”

McMullan and Flores López are working closely with World Bank and Rainforest Alliance colleagues, as well as women directly engaged in the project. Their work will ensure the initiative achieves W+ Standard accreditation, enabling over 650 women in 51 groups across Mexico to generate additional income through the sale of W+ credits.

A Unique Model for Women’s Economic Empowerment features the following –

• Community-led design – Created by and for Indigenous and rural communities, ensuring local ownership and cultural relevance.

• Inclusive participation – Prioritising women and young people, particularly those who would not typically have access to capacity-building or leadership opportunities.

• Sustainable livelihoods – Focusing on long-term income generation, allowing women to remain in and contribute to their home communities.

• Youth and female leadership – Empowering women and young people to take on leadership roles in their communities.

McMullan, Director at Enterprise Evolution, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative:

“Beyond livelihoods, these activities build confidence, leadership, and well-being for women and their families, creating lasting change across communities.”

By securing W+ Standard verification, the project will gain formal recognition for its transformative impact and create new economic opportunities for the women involved.

For more information about W+ Standard, visit: About W+ – W Plus

To learn more about the MDE project in Mexico, visit: MDE MÉXICO – MDE