Empowering women

As a means to improve the economic and social positions of women, BLACD opened literacy classes in the project areas in which more than 800 women enrolled. Literacy students are offered the opportunity to continue developing their reading skills in BLACD libraries after literacy classes ended. In order to alleviate poverty of the students, Group Guarantee Lending and Saving Loans have been offered to women in groups of 10 to start small income-generating projects.

BLACD further provides capacity-building training to two local Women’s Associations, and have started Women’s Social Movements in the target villages. Women who participate in the movements receive training on rights and are assisted in obtaining birth certificates and IDs. In an effort to combat violence against women, BLACD has established Listening and Counseling Centers in 12 communities offering support to women who face violence. BLACD continuously works to raise the awareness of the whole community on the role of women through regular monthly community meetings.  More than 6000 posters on women`s rights to education and social and political participation have been developed and disseminated.