The LFPADE started implementing the project: “Promotion of the Economic Status of Women in South Lebanon; Tyr Region” in April 2016 which is funded by the UN Women/ Fund for Gender Equality (FGE). The goal of this project is to “strengthened socio-economic status of women in the marginalized regions of South Lebanon, particular Tyre, through economic empowerment, an important component of gender equality”. The project aims to enhance the economic stability of 300 women who are working from their homes and to build the capacity of the cooperatives so they can become profit making establishments and to help strengthen the economic situation of women in targeted region. The project has so far provided women with enough knowledge and expertise to increase their economic opportunities and become independent actors in their society.
Activities undertaken under this project aim to contribute to achieve sustainable results divided into six areas: (1) increased capacity of 300 women entrepreneurs in South Lebanon (2) Increased availability of marketing strategies to enhance the position of women entrepreneurs in the market (3) Development of a certified food-safety management system within Joud Al Ard and Jaddati cooperatives (4) Increased availability of coordinating and complimentary frameworks with key stakeholders (5) Increased number of coalitions of women entrepreneurs to push for common agenda for women empowerment at the local level and (6) Increased number of new cooperatives that will help organize women’s work in 3 target villages
To achieve these goals, LFPADE has implemented a series on capacity building training courses. Women who work in agro-food production were trained on HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points), marketing, branding, labeling and establishment of small business. 10 training courses have been implemented on HACCP and 10 training courses have been implemented on marketing, branding, labeling and establishment of small business reaching 300 women. The training agenda included innovative games, activities, and exercises to motivate the women to set their own goals, strengthen their working relationships, work together, and create small initiatives that will bring them self-satisfaction and profit. Through this project, around 40% of targeted beneficiaries were also able to sell their products and obtain an income, through participation is exhibitions. The revenue differed based on the exhibition and number of visitors, but the women were always happy that they participated, not only to make money but also to gain experience and network with other women and cooperatives, and to get a better idea about markets what items are in high demand and what items are not.
- As part of its up scaling initiative with the support from the Government of German, UN women FGE has launched the Scaling Initiative in 2017-2019. Our project up scaling efforts aims mainly to “increase the income of targeted beneficiaries through the implementation of an effective marketing strategy”. The up scaling initiative that is currently implemented aims to increase the number of women impacted through identification of best target markets, in collaboration with Visionaris S.a.l to increase women’s selling. This will go hand in hand with branding of items that women will be trained on how to produce in a consistent way. LFPADE believes that branding will add value to the business, and will provide employees with motivation to establish new customers. Further, the marketing consultant will be assisting in market mapping and establishing partnership with private sector and LFPADE will continue to expand its cycle of partnership with other institutions that can be beneficial to scale the project and improve women’s life
LFPADE is also advocating for the formation of at least 3 in Janata, Yannouh and Maarake with the help of the target municipalities. Soon, we will also be re-innovating two kitchens in South Lebanon to help them, through specialized consultants, achieve international standards that can assist Lebanese women in reaching local and international standards. LFPADE will be also launching a one day micro-finance day to enhance women’s access to loans. The event will host banks that provide services within the area of Tyr. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for more information!
Link: https://www.facebook.com/hudafarfour/
