UNDP helps Niger to boost livelihoods for women

Microfinance Focus, Sept.2, 2009: UNDP’s economic recovery assistance programme in conflict-ridden Niger has benefitted about 1,200 women and girls, said a statement.
The region suffers from both political instability and inequality between men and women. Many of the targeted women are disenfranchised, widowed, displaced or injured. Some have been the victims of rape. These women are for the first time being involved in productive activities. Several training sessions involving these women took place in Agadez and Tahoua, North-East of Niamey, said the statement.

The UN Development Fund has provided US$120,000 in the form of cheques and training on setting up small businesses and designing strategies for reinsertion and building livelihoods in collaboration with 48 cooperatives, The women are working on income-generating projects, including the agriculture sector where they will be encouraged to grow their own food, said a press release.

In spite of Niger’s 1995 Peace Agreement, tensions still persist in the northern Aïr and Azawak regions. These low intensity conflicts have taken a heavy toll on women, as demonstrated by a recent UNDP report which found that women and girls in those regions suffered from various forms of physical and mental abuse.

Since 2006 UNDP has been working on reintegrating 3,160 ex-combatants from the region. Since women have been disproportionately affected by the conflicts, the organization is working with the Niger High Commissariat in boosting livelihoods and bringing communities closer to one another.

UNDP’s Peace Consolidation Programme has become the main instrument for conflict prevention and disaster risk reduction efforts in Niger. The programme is now setting the example for further government and NGO initiatives in Niger.

UNDP has mobilized additional funds from national and multilateral partners including the governments of Niger, France, the United States and Libya.

The PCPAA is implemented by United Nations Volunteers (UNV) together with Niger’s High Commissariat for the Restoration of Peace and Ministry of Territorial Administration and Community Development.

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