Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, with a population of about 4.6 million people, is one of the poorest and most vulnerable countries in the world. 75 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty. Most of the women are uneducated, and only one in four can read, barring access to employment and participation in decision-making. It is also a politically unstable country where violence keeps disrupting the daily lives of ordinary people. 

Our work in the country began in 2018 with the purpose of combining livelihood, education and peace work in the Bozoum area. Women were given training in e.g. literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship and agriculture. They were being supported in creating and developing sustainable small businesses and economically viable agriculture. In addition,  women received education in peace mediation with the purpose of promoting their role as decision-makers in their households, cooperatives and communities.

Results 2021

1,377 women benefitted from our work

Our project to empower women in the Bozoum area ended in 2021 as planned.

We strengthened women’s financial independence and participation in peacebuilding with a focus on supporting particularly vulnerable women, such as single parents, older people and people with disabilities.

We offered training in subjects such as farming, business and literacy skills, and supported women in starting small businesses.

Results: 

• 397 members in 38 saving and loan groups.
• 570 women attended entrepreneurship training.
• 45 women’s agricultural cooperatives or joint ventures.