Project profile — Empowering Women through Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Morocco

The expected results for this project include the following: (1) women’s decision-making power over their businesses is increased; (2) business development support services are more responsive to gender equality issues; and (3) communities are engaged in supporting women’s rights and breaking down gender stereotypes (in public and private spheres) related to women’s entrepreneurship.

Results achieved as of March 2023 include: (1) created 72 village savings and credit associations (AVEC); (2) launched training of trainers for 60 village facilitators on AVEC methodology as part of the exit strategy; (3) created 122 microenterprises; (4) organized mini-markets alongside training courses for microenterprises; (5) supported five microbusinesses in implementing their business model through the National Program for the Support and Financing of Microbusinesses in Morocco (FORSA); (6) strengthened 15 cooperatives from the third cohort and organized literacy sessions for AVEC members and cooperatives; (7) organized three pitch events for cooperatives, attended by 15 women from microbusinesses; (8) supported cooperatives at fairs that were revitalized after COVID-19; (9) completed a training of trainers cycle in gender and equitable household management (GGEM) with eight civil society organizations (CSOs) already identified and four newly selected; (10) launched the preparation of a toolbox for selected CSO trainers; (11) carried out a diagnosis of knowledge and mobilization, and a preparatory workshop with the trade support institutions (TSIs) that will be taking part in the gender and public policy training cycle; and (12) organized two round tables with women leaders and regional and national TSIs.