Burkina Faso/Female empowerment in the Centre-East region: UNDP's P3R programme boosts income-generating activities for 100 women and girls
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) handed out 100 kits to 100 women and girls in the Centre-Est region. This initiative is part of the Programme de Relèvement et de Reinforcement de la Résilience (P3R), which aims to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable populations through the prevention and management of community conflicts relating to access to natural resources, the creation of economic opportunities and the diversification of livelihoods, and the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism.
The handover took place in the presence of the Boulgou provincial high commissioner, accompanied by the PDS of the Tenkodogo commune, the regional director in charge of youth and employment, and representatives of the regional directorates in charge of trade, humanitarian action and human rights.
The high commissioner of Boulgou province expressed his gratitude to UNDP for this initiative. He emphasized the significant impact these kits will have on the local economy and the development of living conditions for rural households. He added that this very substantial support will enable these women to become self-sufficient and eventually create jobs by training others.
"We aim to empower women in the region, and the provision of 100 kits in various production sectors represents a major contribution to the development of the rural economy, as well as to the well-being of women and their families. This is a significant boost for the region. The aim is for these kits to enable beneficiaries to become self-sufficient and employ others in turn. We will therefore be working with the UNDP team and technical services to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries once they have received the kits. We will assess the impact of these kits on their daily lives, identifying those who have succeeded and making the necessary adjustments for those who encounter difficulties. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the UNDP, on behalf of the Governor, for implementing this initiative", said the High Commissioner of Boulgou Province, Domebeguiere Constantin Dabiré.
The beneficiaries also shared their enthusiasm and gratitude. Hawa Bandaogo, a hairdresser for ten years, expressed her gratitude for the kit, which will help her to open her own salon, after working at home for many years. Odile Kaboré, a seamstress, also testified to the importance of this support, which will enable her to quit her job with her boss and open her own workshop. The two also hope to employ other people in order to reduce unemployment around them.
As a reminder, the P3R program was designed to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable populations in the very fragile security context that the country is experiencing. The kits, comprising equipment for cutting and sewing, hairdressing, catering, weaving, market gardening, saponification and many other trades, are designed to strengthen activities and improve living conditions for beneficiaries.
This support in the form of IGA kits covers three regions: North, Centre-North and Centre-East. In all, 300 women will benefit, i.e. 100 women and girls per region. The selection of participants was made in collaboration with the regional directorate in charge of youth and employment, on the basis of criteria based on gender, the commitment of the beneficiary, dynamism and access to ensure adequate follow-up.
The UNDP plans to monitor the women's activities once the kits have been handed over. Emphasis will be placed on results achieved and challenges encountered, in order to provide appropriate advice and maximize the impact of the assistance provided. The total cost of the 100 kits distributed is estimated at 35 million FCFA, and over 100 million FCFA for the 300 kits in all three beneficiary regions.
The handover of the kits was coupled with a conference on the fight against gender-based violence, organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism.
According to speaker Serge Kobindé, the solution to gender-based violence lies in education. It's essential to educate young boys and girls so that, as they grow up, they can respect each other's rights and responsibilities. It is important to inform both women and men of the remedies available in the event of violation of their rights. Services such as the police, gendarmerie, social action and human rights departments are at their disposal. A toll-free number, 80001287, is also available to provide assistance.
Source: lefaso.net/
