Empowering Progress: How Solgas is Transforming Communities Through ‘Mujeres con Energía’
by
In a significant stride toward fostering economic autonomy and sustainable development in Peru, Solgas—the nation’s leader in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)—has successfully concluded its latest edition of the "Mujeres con Energía" (Women with Energy) program in the district of Ventanilla. This initiative, which serves as a cornerstone of the company’s social responsibility framework, has become a catalyst for change, equipping over 150 grassroots leaders with the technical, financial, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to elevate their local organizations.
By bridging the gap between basic community subsistence and sustainable business development, Solgas is redefining the role of corporate entities in social advancement. This article explores the depth of the program, its methodology, and the broader implications for female-led entrepreneurship in Peru.
Main Facts: A Commitment to Community Empowerment
The most recent iteration of "Mujeres con Energía" in Ventanilla spanned six intensive weeks of training, specifically targeting leaders from 98 different ollas comunes (community kitchens). These kitchens serve as essential pillars for food security in vulnerable sectors, and by providing these leaders with professional training, Solgas is ensuring that these organizations move toward greater self-sufficiency.
The curriculum was meticulously designed to address both immediate operational needs and long-term business viability. Participants engaged in comprehensive workshops that covered:
Technical Skills: Professional training in bakery and culinary production.
Health and Safety: Rigorous standards for food handling and kitchen safety, including the safe management of LPG.
Business Acumen: Foundational courses in financial literacy, digital marketing, and business management.
With over 1,900 women reached nationwide since the program’s inception, Solgas has created more than a training course; it has cultivated a network of empowered female entrepreneurs who are now better positioned to provide for their families and stimulate local economies.
Chronology: The Evolution of a Social Vision
The trajectory of "Mujeres con Energía" reflects a broader shift in Solgas’ corporate philosophy. Since its inception, the program has evolved from basic social assistance to a sophisticated model of capacity building.
2025: The Strategic Pivot
Recognizing that providing energy products is only part of the equation for community development, Solgas pivoted its strategy in 2025 to focus heavily on the "entrepreneurial mindset." This shift incorporated structured modules on financial management and digital transformation. The objective was clear: to move beyond mere charity and facilitate genuine, long-lasting economic independence for the women involved.
2026: Consolidation in Ventanilla
The 2026 Ventanilla edition marked a new high-water mark for the program. By partnering with the Municipalidad Provincial del Callao and the educational firm Aprenda, Solgas professionalized the delivery of content. This stage also saw the introduction of a specialized mentorship program, where 47 of the most promising leaders received direct, one-on-one guidance from Solgas volunteers. These sessions focused on identifying specific bottlenecks in their respective business models, providing tailor-made solutions to ensure their ventures remain sustainable in a competitive market.
Supporting Data: The Ripple Effect of Success
The impact of "Mujeres con Energía" is quantified not just by the number of participants, but by the tangible improvements in their operational capacity.
Total Beneficiaries: Over 1,900 women across the country have participated in the program since its launch.
Network Reach: In the latest Ventanilla cycle alone, 150 leaders representing 98 distinct organizations were trained.
Mentorship Depth: 47 leaders received intensive, expert-led mentorship, bridging the gap between community work and commercial enterprise.
Infrastructure Support: The initiative leverages Solgas’ 80-year legacy of energy distribution, ensuring that participants have access to safe, efficient energy solutions, which serves as the backbone for their culinary and production activities.
This data suggests a high correlation between specialized training and the expansion of community-based businesses. By integrating digital literacy, these women are now better able to manage their bookkeeping and market their products, effectively breaking cycles of dependency.
Official Perspectives: The Vision Behind the Energy
The philosophy driving this initiative was articulated by Nikitza Chávez, Gerente Legal y de Asuntos Corporativos of Solgas. Her perspective underscores the company’s transition from a utility provider to a socio-economic partner:
"From Solgas, we understand that sustainable development is built when we generate opportunities that strengthen individual capabilities and contribute to the progress of our communities. ‘Mujeres con Energía’ reflects this commitment; it is about accompanying women leaders with tools and knowledge, boosting their entrepreneurial spirit, and generating new opportunities for their families and their surroundings."
Chávez’s comments highlight that for Solgas, the "human factor" is as critical as the fuel they supply. By investing in the potential of these women, the company is effectively building a more resilient social fabric, one where the "energy" provided by Solgas is matched by the "energy" of the women driving local progress.
Implications: The Future of Grassroots Entrepreneurship
The success of "Mujeres con Energía" has profound implications for the future of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Latin America.
Bridging the Gender Gap
In many of the regions where Solgas operates, women are the primary managers of household and community resources. However, they often lack formal training in business management. By formalizing this knowledge, Solgas is not only empowering these women individually but is also reducing the gender gap in small-business ownership in Peru.
Sustainability and Economic Stability
The focus on financial education and digital tools is particularly prescient. In an increasingly digitized economy, even local community kitchens must adapt to digital payment methods and inventory tracking. By facilitating this transition, Solgas ensures that these organizations can survive economic fluctuations and scale their operations.
A Model for Multi-Sector Collaboration
The success of this initiative is partly attributed to the alliance between the private sector (Solgas), local government (Municipalidad del Callao), and educational expertise (Aprenda). This "Triple Helix" approach—where the private sector, public sector, and civil society work in tandem—is a proven model for effective, large-scale social intervention. It prevents the duplication of efforts and ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed.
About Solgas: A Legacy of Energy and Commitment
Solgas is not merely a supplier of LPG; it is a critical component of Peru’s energy infrastructure. With 80 years of experience, the company serves as the largest LPG provider in the country. Operating under the umbrella of Abastible and the Copec group, Solgas has established itself as a leader in Latin America’s energy sector.
With over 650 direct employees and the most extensive distribution network in Peru, Solgas prides itself on delivering clean, safe, and accessible energy. Their corporate purpose—to boost the entrepreneurial spirit to move the country toward a future with more progress and humanity—is clearly visible in initiatives like "Mujeres con Energía."
As Solgas continues to modernize its infrastructure, it remains deeply committed to the social and environmental development of the communities it serves. The company’s focus on long-term sustainability, combined with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to the Peruvian people, positions it as a model for corporate citizenship in the 21st century.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
As the latest edition of "Mujeres con Energía" draws to a close, the focus shifts to the long-term impact on the 150 participants in Ventanilla. Their success will not be measured by the end of the workshops, but by the growth of their businesses, the stability of their households, and their continued influence within their communities.
Solgas has laid the foundation, but the true power lies in the women who have embraced this opportunity to transform their reality. As they continue to build their businesses, they carry with them the skills and the energy necessary to create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all of Peru.
