Enhancing the capacity of women to increase job security and for better management of the sustainable use of natural resources in the Volcanoes National Park (PNV)

Republic of Rwanda

Amount: € 350,000.00

Overview

The project by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) sought to improve the socio-economic well-being of women involved in informal trade within Rwanda and cross-border with neighbouring countries. The project facilitated the organisation of women into trade cooperatives aimed at improving their advocacy and opportunities; provided capacity building programmes, focused on entrepreneurship; and instilled knowledge regarding trading requirements and up-scaling opportunities. The project also sought to facilitate access to finance and financial training so improve the economic opportunities of the female opportunities. The project addressed the aspirations set out in the African Union's Agenda 2063, of an Africa typified by good governance, democracy, and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.

Key results

• The project sought to improve the socio-economic well-being of women involved in informal trade within Rwanda and cross-border with neighbouring countries. The project grouped 1,713 (1,459 women and 254 men) traders in 32 Cross Border Trade Cooperatives.
• Of these, 26 (comprising 939 women and 64 men) were eligible for microcredit funding.  650 women and 54 men working as cross border traders were given training in business skills, Rwanda Trade Policy and Cross Border Strategies, Rwanda Cooperative Policy and Law, Entrepreneurship and Taxation, and Simplified Trade Regimes in EAC and COMESA.
• The project subsequently facilitated the organisation of 875 women and 100 men into 37 trade cooperatives to improve their advocacy and opportunities, providing capacity building programmes focused on entrepreneurship, and instilling knowledge on trading requirements and up-scaling opportunities. The cooperatives received funding to assist their formation and development.