Permanent institutional commitment
Psychology Campaigns
A record of our actions for well-being
At the University of the Armed Forces ESPE, we maintain the concept of inclusion in each of the aspects related to higher education. Within this vision, we understand mental health as the mainstay in the development of a University for all. Within the framework of the 2030 sustainable development goals agenda set by the United Nations (UN), the University of the Armed Forces ESPE, has considered aligning itself through the University Welfare Unit, with the objectives (3) Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education and (5) Gender Equality.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential for sustainable development.
- Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
- By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, information and education, and integrate reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
4
Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- By 2030, ensure equal access for all men and women to quality technical, vocational and higher education, including university education
- By 2030, significantly increase the number of youth and adults who have the necessary skills, including technical and vocational skills, to access employment, decent work and entrepreneurship
- By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable people, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but it is one of the essential foundations for building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
- End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life
- Improve the use of enabling technology, including information and communication technology, to promote women’s empowerment
- Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable laws to promote gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
Reduce inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind.
- By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all people, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status
- Ensure equality of opportunity and reduce inequality of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and measures in this regard
- Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection, and progressively achieve greater equality
To achieve these objectives, the ESPE has developed a Multi-year Equality Plan focused on 7 lines of action:
- Equality
- Fairness and protection
- Participation and non-discrimination
- Interculturality
- Comprehensive and inclusive development
- Progressivity and non-regression
- Preferential option
From this perspective, campaigns are constantly being developed and disseminated through the different institutional media. During 2022, around 25 campaigns have been carried out with the participation of more than 800 people from the University community. Within this process, topics such as the following have been addressed:
- Sex, Sexuality and Gender
- Drug and narcotics use
- Clinical/psychosocial disorders
- Social skills
- Violence
- Family coexistence
- among others
Violence
From Evidence to Prevention: How to Prevent Violence Against Women in Ecuadorian Universities?
The Ecuadorian Constitution (2008) states:
Art. 66. Persons are recognized and guaranteed:
- The right to humane treatment, which includes:
- a) Physical, mental, moral and sexual integrity.
- b) A life free of violence in the public and private spheres. The State shall adopt the necessary measures to prevent, eliminate, and punish all forms of violence, especially against women, children and adolescents, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and against any person in a situation of disadvantage or vulnerability; The same measures will be taken against violence, slavery and sexual exploitation.
Therefore, the University Welfare Unit (UBUN), of the University of the Armed Forces, held a conference on October 11, 2022, with the theme “From evidence to prevention: How to prevent violence against women in Ecuadorian universities”, and included the presentation of Dr. Aristides Alfredo Vara Horna, With the participation of 55 attendees including military personnel, military students, administrative and students, the objective was to disseminate the scientific research developed within the Ecuadorian university environment; thus reducing the prevalence and severity of health damage caused by violence against women, with particular emphasis on those who are at greater risk or vulnerability.
Drug and narcotics use
Dog festival and presentation of stands "Without drugs we live better"
In the latest study carried out on drugs in Ecuador, it was found that 12.65% of students, between 12 and 17 years old, consumed prohibited substances during 2015, according to the survey on the use and consumption of illicit drugs in high school students, prepared in 2016 by the Technical Secretariat of Drugs.
One of the main strategies for the promotion of mental health is to link play and recreation with healthy lifestyles, it is in this sense that the University Welfare Unit in support of the canine group of the National Police presented the event: Canine Festival, and presentation of stands “without drugs we live better”.
The open event was attended by different members of the university community, who attended motivated by the skills demonstrated by the trained dogs, providing a space for recreation. The festival opened another important activity within the prevention activities, being able to witness a demonstration of how the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the National Police carries out its activities. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to the exhibitors about the differences between one controlled substance and another, the health risks involved in its consumption and the legal consequences of its possession.
People with initial consumption of some type of drug have come to the University Welfare Unit, where they can be provided with care on an outpatient basis, seeking to solve individual, family and social conflicts that could be the trigger for consumption.
For more information contact 023989-400, Ext. 1532
Minutes are less when drugs take their toll
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador (2008) mentions the following:
Article 364 of the Constitution of the Republic establishes that addictions are a public health problem and that it shall be the responsibility of the State to develop coordinated programs for the information, prevention, and control of tobacco consumption, as well as to offer treatment and rehabilitation to occasional, habitual, and problematic users; the State must control and regulate the advertising of alcohol and tobacco. (p.112)
The University Welfare Unit (2022) conducted a survey on the “Incidence of consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco derivatives and other drugs”, at the University of the Armed Forces, it is determined that 12.7% consume illicit drugs 2 to 3 times, and that drug H is the most consumed with 11.9%, within the University Community.
For this reason, the University Welfare Unit of the University of the Armed Forces-ESPE, took actions and developed coordinated information campaigns on the prevention of the consumption of psychotropic substances and narcotics, because addictions are a Public Health problem, for this reason a webinar was held on Facebook Live of the University of the Armed Forces. on March 25, 2022, with the theme “Minutes are less when drugs take their toll”, the objective is to provide information on the prevention of psychotropic substances and narcotics to the University Community and the event was virtual taking advantage of the communication spaces provided by the University of the Armed Forces. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
You can live without smoking, but not without breathing
Ecuador creates the draft Organic Law for the regulation and control of tobacco (2011) mentions “Art. 1.- Purpose.- The purpose of this Law is to promote the right to health of the inhabitants of the Republic of Ecuador, protecting them from the consequences of the consumption of tobacco products and their harmful effects” (p.3)
TheUniversity Welfare Unit (2022) conducted a survey on the “Incidence of the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco derivatives and other drugs”, at the University of the Armed Forces, it is determined that 10.8% of the University Community has a prevalence of tobacco consumption of 2 to 3 times a year.
For this reason, the University Welfare Unit of the University of the Armed Forces, ensuring the interest of the University Community, held a webinar through Facebook Live for the University Community, the presentation was made by Psychiatrist Chritopher Moreno, an expert in Narcology, on March 30-31. The objective is to raise awareness about the negative effects in the physical and psychological field of excessive tobacco use. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Let's talk about the harmful use of alcohol. Is there a solution?
In Ecuador, according to statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), more than 900,000 Ecuadorians consume alcohol, 89.7% are men and 10.3% are women. Most do so from adolescence. Of the 912,000 Ecuadorians who consume alcoholic beverages, 2.5% are young people between 12 and 18 years old.
In relation to statistical data and as part of the activities to promote mental health, the University Welfare Unit held the conference “Let’s talk about alcohol consumption. Is there a solution?”, with the support of the International Movement of Alcoholics Anonymous, Grupo 24 horas Sangolquí.
The presentation began with a video on the social and health effects of exaggerated alcohol consumption. The video, traditional within the A.A. community, has been made for several years but the dramatization of what can happen to an individual is still valid. Next, each of the speakers had the opportunity to address the students, in this space three members of the group shared their experience of overcoming alcohol consumption, each one from an experiential modality reached the public with the idea of prevention, of avoiding reaching a point that they call the experience of “hitting rock bottom”.
The attendees showed interest in the stories, particularly those that dealt with alcohol consumption in the university era, where one of the speakers mentioned: “I thought nothing was going to happen to me, I was not an alcoholic, I was just having fun”, which caused a delay in his academic training. At the end, the topic was well received and we believe that it can generate a change in people or at least the curiosity to seek more information.
The University Welfare Unit has the Psychological Care service, in the area of Clinical Psychology outpatient treatment can be provided for cases of mild and moderate alcohol consumption.
For more information, contact 023989-400, Ext. 1532.
Clinical/psychosocial disorders
There is no health, without mental health
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador (2008) mentions the following:
Article 32. – Health is a right guaranteed by the State, the realization of which is linked to the exercise of other rights, including the right to water, food, education, physical culture, work, social security, healthy environments and others that sustain good living. (p.19)
In Ecuador, the Organic Health Law (2022) is in force, which mentions the following:
Article 12.- The national health authority shall regulate and control the dissemination of programmes or messages, to prevent their contents from being harmful to the physical and psychological health of persons, especially children and adolescents. (p.9)
Therefore, as part of the campaign “There is no Health, without Mental Health”, on July 29, 2022, Psi. Cl. Juan Francisco Toro Ávila PhD, gave his presentation in the Webinar on the topic “Anxiety and Depression”, in his talk he determined that social, family, individual, economic factors are determinants for the increase in stress of students and consequently the trigger for mental illness. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Breaking the Silence (Suicide: Everyone's Problem)
In the Ecuadorian Constitution (2008) it mentions the following: Art. 66. Persons are recognized and guaranteed: (…) a) Physical, mental, moral and sexual integrity, b) A life free of violence in the public and private spheres (p.29).
The Organic Health Law (2022) mentions the following:
Article 3.- Health is the complete state of physical, mental and social well-being and not only the absence of diseases or diseases. It is an inalienable, indivisible, inalienable and intransigible human right, the protection and guarantee of which is the primary responsibility of the State; and, the result of a collective process of interaction where State, society, family and individuals converge for the construction of healthy environments, environments and lifestyles. (p.2).
Therefore, the University Welfare Unit (UBUN), of the University of the Armed Forces, held a conference on September 2, 2022, with the theme Breaking the silence?, and featured a presentation by Mgtr. Mery Laurab Vaca Torres and Mgtr. Ingrid Alarcón Ferreira Da Silva, with the participation of 50 attendees from the Physical Development Unit. The purpose is to change the attitudes and therefore the behavior of the attendees, strengthening their coping skills with life crises, providing support in social and family networks.
Connect with life Suicide, everyone's problem
The Ecuadorian Constitution (2008) states:
Art. 3.- The primary duties of the State are:
- Guarantee, without discrimination, the effective enjoyment of the rights established in the Constitution and in international instruments, in particular education, health, food, social security and water for its inhabitants. (…)
Article 32.- Health is a right guaranteed by the State, the realization of which is linked to the exercise of other rights, including the right to water, food, education, physical culture, work, social security, healthy environments and others that sustain good living. The State shall guarantee this right through economic, social, cultural, educational and environmental policies; and permanent, timely and non-exclusive access to programs, actions and services for the promotion and comprehensive care of health, sexual health and reproductive health. The provision of health services will be governed by the principles of equity, universality, solidarity, interculturality, quality, efficiency, effectiveness, precaution and bioethics, with a gender and generational approach. (p.17)
Therefore, as part of the campaign “Suicide a problem for everyone”, on September 20, 2022, Psi. Cl. Abraham Tulcanazo, gave his presentation in the Webinar on the topic “Connect with life”, in his talk he mentioned that “Suicide is a serious public health problem and it is estimated that every year more than 800,000 people commit suicide in the world, suicides and suicide attempts affect, both directly and indirectly, other people and generate a serious impact on those who survive; In addition, it is very important to distinguish the signs of emotional suffering, since it allows us to detect and address in a timely manner situations that could psychologically affect the university community.”
University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Mental Health Promotion (Anxiety and Depression)
According to the World Health Organization (2020) it mentions the following:
Depression is a common disease worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.8% of the population, including 5% of adults and 5.7% of adults over 60 years of age. (…) Anxiety is more common in women (7.7%) than in men (3.6%), according to data revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Anxiety is a normal emotional reaction to situations that threaten the individual.
The study carried out at the University of the Armed Forces by Ola (2018) mentions “Stress is one of the emotional states that most affect people, causing physical and mental changes. The lack of stress control can trigger mental problems such as depression, anxiety” (p.17).
Therefore, the University Welfare Unit (UBUN), of the University of the Armed Forces, held a conference on August 2, 2022, with the theme How to deal with Depression and Anxiety?, and included the presentation of Psic. Mauricio Batallas, with the participation of 75 attendees including students and professors of the Medical Career, addressed strategies to promote the healthy management of anxiety-depression through self-control and how to reduce its levels. Likewise, it is proposed to the University Community that if they have any situation that is affecting their daily activities, they go to the University Welfare Unit in the Psychology area, to follow up on the case. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Sex, Sexuality and Gender
Sex, sexuality and gender
According to the World Health Organization (2020) it mentions the following:
“Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, as well as the economic and social development of communities and countries. Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships and pleasure.”
In Ecuador, the Ministry of Health (2017) issues “The National Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health, which promotes inclusion, equality and respect for human rights in the framework of Sexual and Reproductive Health”. (p.11)
For this reason, the University Welfare Unit (UBUN), the Psychology area, held the event “Sex, Sexuality and Gender”, on August 23, 2022, at the #espelatacunga, with the presentation of Psic. Cl. Mauricio Batallas, Director of the UBUN and the attendance of 182 students of the Careers of Technology in Logistics and Area and Land Security Technology; the objective was To improve knowledge of students’ beliefs, ideologies, values and ethics concerning sexuality and interpersonal relationships. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Renewing Your Knowledge About Sexuality
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador (2008) mentions in the “Art. 347. It shall be the responsibility of the State to ensure that all educational entities provide education in citizenship, sexuality and the environment, from a rights-based approach” (p.172)
For this reason, the webinar event “Renewing your knowledge about sexuality” was held on May 9, 2022, through the Facebook of the University of the Armed Forces, with a presentation by IQ. Gabriela Medrano, representative of Abbott Laboratories and the participation of the University Community: students, teachers, administrators, military personnel of the parent ESPE and its headquarters. The objective is to raise awareness about human sexuality in the University Community. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Social skills
An intercultural society is possible
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador (2008) mentions the following
Article 1.- Ecuador is a constitutional State of rights and justice, social, democratic, sovereign, independent, unitary, intercultural, plurinational and secular. It is organized in the form of a republic and governed in a decentralized manner.”
Art. 27. Education shall be centered on human beings and shall guarantee their holistic development, within the framework of respect for human rights, the sustainable environment, and democracy; it will be participatory, mandatory, intercultural, democratic, inclusive and diverse, of quality and warmth; it will promote gender equality, justice, solidarity and peace; it will stimulate critical sense, art and physical culture, individual and community initiative, and the development of skills and capacities to create and work. (p.8)
TheUniversity Welfare Unit of the University of the Armed Forces – ESPE, held a webinar on Facebook Live on the theme “An Intercultural society if possible”, on March 28, 2022, during the presentation of Psi. Cl. Edgar Chimbo, mentioned the importance of Interculturality is subject to many visible concepts such as culture, diversity, cultural, political and economic hegemony, with the aim of promoting the values of tolerance, respect, communication, equality, belonging and solidarity to coexist harmoniously within the Educational Community. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic.
Development of social skills (Mental Health)
According to Soto and Zuñiga (2021) he mentions the following:
Anxiety, stress and depression are important conditions experienced by students, in the results they showed levels of mild anxiety in 84% of students, moderate stress in 67% and minimal depression in 69% of students, (…), they highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs to improve health and mental well-being. (p.77)
In a study carried out in Ecuador-Cuenca (2019) he mentions “Anxiety and depression, two predominant conditions in mental health, which are constantly reported in the health centers of the general population, in the scientific literature and in a number of epidemiological, correlational and factor analysis studies (…); Thus, the importance of carrying out an analysis of these pathologies from the perspective of the university population is considered” (p.2).
Therefore, the University Welfare Unit carried out the campaign “There is no Health, without Mental Health”, on August 1, 2022, with the participation of the Psic. Cl. Mauricio Batallas, Director of the University Welfare Unit (UBUN), developed a practical activity with the theme “Loss of sense”, with the assistance of 30 students of the Medicine career. The objective was to createa group space in which students can find a place of belonging, identifying their strengths and generating training tools in assertive management in different situations to reduce anxiety and depression. The University Welfare Unit, the Psychology area, provides advice on the aforementioned topic
The University Welfare Unit (UBUN) develops actions to prevent and address discrimination against transgender people, which are integrated into the Institutional Equality Plan 2024. This Plan constitutes a regulatory and operational framework that guides the university’s efforts towards the promotion of inclusion, equity and respect for the rights of the entire university community. Within this framework, specific guidelines have been defined that guarantee transgender people timely access to the necessary resources and support. Similarly, awareness and training processes aimed at the university community are continuously implemented, with the aim of consolidating a respectful, inclusive and prejudice-free academic environment.
With these actions, UBUN ratifies its institutional commitment to diversity and non-discrimination, recognizing the importance of permanently strengthening policies and strategies that allow progress towards a true culture of equity and inclusion.
Equality Plan for 2024
The University Welfare Unit (UBUN) has a policy against discrimination against women, which is part of the Institutional Equality Plan 2024. This plan establishes a regulatory and operational framework that promotes inclusion, equity and respect among all members of the university community.
This framework includes specific guidelines to prevent and address discrimination based on gender identity, as well as actions aimed at guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for women.
UBUN promotes awareness-raising and training processes aimed at students, teachers and administrative staff on gender diversity and equity, contributing to the construction of a more respectful and welcoming environment. Similarly, Mental Health activities, which are carried out monthly, are continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure their effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the Institutional Equality Plan for the year 2024.
ESPE Protocol 2024
Within the framework of the Protocol for Action and Intervention in Situations of Harassment, Abuse, Discrimination and Violence Based on Gender and Sexual Orientation, the University of the Armed Forces ESPE, as part of its prevention and awareness actions, establishes the implementation of campaigns and events aimed at the university community. These activities were carried out during 2024, with the aim of promoting equality, preventing situations of violence and discrimination, and strengthening the culture of respect and inclusion within the institution.
Through these initiatives, which include talks, workshops and participatory conferences, it seeks to train and sensitize students, teachers and administrative staff on the importance of gender equity, sexual diversity and safe coexistence in the academic field. In this way, the ESPE reaffirms its institutional commitment to the protection of the rights and well-being of the entire university community.
We are well-being at the university
The University Welfare Unit (2025) through the campaign “We are Welfare at the U” effectively fulfilled its general objective of disseminating the services and benefits offered by the University Welfare Unit, ensuring that students, teachers and administrative staff know directly the areas of support available, thus strengthening the culture of institutional well-being.
The organization and prior coordination between the different units of the university and external entities allowed the development of a comprehensive day, with physical, recreational, cultural and health activities, generating a positive impact on the integration and sense of belonging of the university community.
The high participation and affluence of the university community reflects the importance of maintaining this type of campaign on a regular basis, since they not only promote healthy habits, but also keep the entire university community informed about the services provided by the University Welfare Unit.
Reading and technology for the future
The University of the Armed Forces – ESPE, thanks to the donation of the Public Company ESPE – INNOVATIVA EP, and through the University Welfare Unit (2025) delivered 197 tablets within the framework of the “Reading and Technology for the Future” campaign. This initiative aims to reduce the digital divide, promote access to educational resources and encourage the habit of reading through the responsible use of technology.
With this delivery, young people and students were provided with a fundamental tool for their academic development, facilitating their integration into the digital environment and strengthening their educational capacities.
This effort reflects ESPE’s firm commitment to social progress, equity in access to knowledge and the promotion of a more inclusive and connected education.
