Economic Empowerment of Women - Women Entrepreneurs Network

Countries: Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Angola and Tanzania.

Amount: 183,500 Euros

Overview

The objective of the Federation for Community Development (FDC) project was to establish national, regional and continental networks to empower women entrepreneurs and women in business in the following countries: Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya . Despite women being pivotal to the survival of African families they continue to be marginalised and lack access to resources to develop business ventures. Challenges included lack of access to information on business issues; government laws and regulation; weak professionalization; inadequate networking; and a lack of financial support. Key outcomes of the project include forming strategic partnerships with women entrepreneur organisations in Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya and establishing national network organisations to address women’s issues in these countries; mapping 250 women to obtain critical information on women entrepreneurship; advocacy initiatives that resulted in the reduction of interest rates on loans for women in Mozambique, participation of women in international and regional forums, e.g. the World Economic Forum, and the establishment of a network for women in the financial sector.  The project was clearly aligned to the objectives of the Maputo Protocol and the Millennium Development Goal to promote gender equality and empower women.

Key results

• National networks of women entrepenuers established in Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Uganda.
•  Mapping 250 women to obtain critical information on women entrepreneurship; advocacy initiatives that resulted in the reduction of interest rates for women in Mozambique, participation of women in international and regional forums, e.g. the World Economic Forum, and the establishment of a network for women in the financial sector.