Why Financial Literacy Matters: The Importance of Empowering Migrant Women in Spain

Their flagship programme, Flourish , offers comprehensive financial literacy education and community support to help women establish solid economic foundations. Additionally, their Women on the Move BCN project offers a vibrant network for women in Barcelona, ​​providing workshops, events, guidance and connections as they embark on new life chapters.

With over 2 decades of experience in financial education, economic literacy, social entrepreneurship, and MSME, Maria Carmela is passionate about empowering women to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Here, she shares the inspiration behind her initiative, the impact of WEMatter’s programmes, and the importance of celebrating resilient women and supporting families through significant transitions.

Empowering Women on the Move with WEMatter

Navigating New Beginnings

As women, we wear many hats—mother, partner, professional, caregiver—but for those who move abroad, the journey comes with unique and intersecting challenges. From adapting to a new culture and managing finances in unfamiliar systems to creating pathways that feel out of reach as a migrant woman over 40, starting anew often requires courage, perseverance and resilience. I know this because it’s my story too.

I’m Maria Carmela V. Zabala, and as the Founder of WEMatter, I created a community-driven initiative to empower women like us—migrants, expats, and those navigating significant life transitions. 

WEMatter is more than just an organization; it’s the first port of call for women on the move. It’s a space where opportunities are discovered, connections are made, and women come together to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

The WEMatter Mission

At WEMatter, our mission is to expand opportunities and empower women on the move by equipping them with the tools and strategies they need to achieve financial independence and build generational wealth.

Our initiatives are grounded in three core pillars:

1. Financial Education: Delivering workshops, handbooks, and resources specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by migrant women, especially those over 40, empowering them with practical financial skills.
2. Community Building: Creating safe, inclusive spaces where women can share their stories, exchange knowledge, and build supportive networks to navigate life’s transitions together.
3. Amplifying Women’s Voices: Celebrating the journeys of trail blazing women who break barriers and step boldly into the unknown with their skills, dreams, and unshakable spirit. They challenge societal norms, overcome multilayered obstacles, and pave the way as role models for others, fostering representation and inspiring future generations.

Through these pillars, WEMatter strives to create a world where every woman on the move feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

From Vision to Impact: Real Stories

Case Study 1: Anna’s Journey to Confidence

Anna, whose parents are from Latin America and Spain, moved to Spain with hopes of reclaiming her heritage, reinventing herself after her children have flown the nest, and rebuilding her career. Navigating the job market was daunting, and she felt overwhelmed by the demands of crafting a suitable CV, applying for jobs, and conducting interviews.

Anna joined one of our workshops, where participants from various sectors and backgrounds connect and learn together. Through this network, she met a human resources professional who guided her on presenting her skills, identifying opportunities in her field, and preparing for interviews. With newfound confidence, Anna revamped her CV, retrained herself, and secured an internship. She is now preparing to launch a career in entrepreneurship or employment.

Case Study 2: Carla’s Path to Generational Wealth

Carla, an administrative staff, had been working tirelessly abroad to support her family back home. Despite years of saving, she often found that her efforts weren’t translating into significant financial growth or long-term wealth.

Through our Flourish Personal Planning workshop, Carla learned the difference between saving and investing. She gained insights into wealth-building strategies and created a plan to implement them in 2025. Inspired by her new knowledge, Carla began sharing these lessons with her children, setting her family on a path toward generational wealth.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Financial literacy is more than just growing wealth—it’s about creating freedom, making an impact, and enabling social mobility. For women, financial empowerment is essential in funding their longevity, balancing dual responsibilities, and navigating career gaps, among other challenges.

For women on the move, particularly migrants, the stakes are even higher. They often manage dual household budgets and remittances, while adapting to new financial systems and fluctuating income streams. These challenges are further complicated by barriers such as a lack of credit history, limited access to local financial resources, and, for migrants and above 40s, even a high level of skill may not guarantee financial stability.

At WEMatter , we understand these unique challenges. That’s why we provide tailored support to help women navigate these complexities while securing their own financial well-being.

Looking Ahead

At WEMatter, we envision a world where every woman is financially independent and empowered to build wealth. By supporting women, we uplift families, communities, and societies as a whole.

We’re just getting started. From organizing financial wellness events to expanding our reach through digital resources, we’re committed to creating lasting change.

Join Us in Making a Difference

To every woman navigating change, know this: you are not alone. At WEMatter, we see you, we hear you, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.

If you’re interested in joining our community or collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you . Let’s work together to create a world where women on the movement are celebrated, supported, and empowered.

Read more inspiring articles on the MumAbroad blog .