Womens empowerment project ZAMBIA

 

The End of 2022, a collaboration agreement was signed with the NGO Women for Change from Zambia to implement an adapted version the Guatemalan Women's Empowerment Project in Zambia and Southern Africa. 1,000 poor women in particularly difficult circumstances (such as those experiencing domestic violence, discrimination or being single mothers) shall be supported to increase income, wellbeing, decrease violence and increase gender equality.

 

The model and its different manuals for its implementation have been adapted to Zambia and implementation was started in 2022. Technical assistance is provided from both Fundacion Progresar in Guatemala and from the Foundation Support for Development. Achievements so far include:

 

  • 33 village bank groups with a total of 983 women have been started.

  • In total 4,900 persons, mostly children, are estimated to have benefitted from the Project.

  • Over 700 women have diversified their businesses and the total number of small enterprises established are 1,600.

  • Repayment levels of credits are 100%.

  • 7 new village banks for around 210 women will be started in 2025.

 

Future plans include continued support to poor villages and families in general and women in particular in Central America as well as the expansion of the innovative integrated model for Women's Empowerment ”Corn Seed Women” in Zambia and to other regions in the world.