Since 2021, the ACT-Femmes project, backed by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has been a driving force behind economic and social transformation in the Tchologo region of northern Côte d’Ivoire. For too long, socio-cultural barriers have restricted women’s access to financial resources, leaving them vulnerable and unsupported, especially in critical areas like sexual and reproductive health. Recognizing this, Action Against Hunger launched the ACT-Femmes project, introducing bold economic recovery tools like village savings and loan associations and new jobs to empower women and adolescent girls.
Our mission is clear: provide these women and girls with real opportunities to take charge of their financial futures and improve their access to essential health services.
So far, the results speak for themselves. The project has established 30 village savings and loan associations, bringing together 900 women and adolescent girls from 30 villages across the Tchologo region.
These associations are more than just savings groups; they’re lifelines. They allow members to save, access loans, and create new income generating activities that fuel local economies while fostering independence and resilience.
Through this new system of savings and loans, women and girls are transforming their lives. They’re launching new businesses—from agriculture to crafts and local trade—and stepping into their power as entrepreneurs. This isn’t just about money; it’s about confidence, capability, and community. These loans provide an escape from the grip of poverty, enabling women to provide education for their children, access healthcare, and improve their household’s quality of life.
Even more remarkable is the ripple effect on families and communities. Men in these villages are embracing the change, showing support for their wives’ participation in these initiatives. This shift is fostering greater harmony at home, as women’s contributions ease financial burdens and strengthen family bonds. Encouraged by the benefits, men are actively advocating for their wives to join our village savings and loan association programs. Some men, including village chiefs, have even joined spontaneous associations themselves. This isn’t just women’s empowerment; it’s community-wide transformation.
The story of Kinafou, president of the Dalavogo women’s group, captures the heart of this change:
“Since the death of my husband, I have been the sole provider for my seven children, four girls and three boys. In 2023, I joined the village savings and loan association introduced by the project in my village. With my savings, I secured a loan of 40,000 CFA francs to start a porridge and doughnut business. The profits allowed me to send my children to school and afford healthcare when they fell ill. The village savings and loan association saved me. Without it, I don’t know what would have become of us after my husband’s death. Thank you to Global Affairs Canada for this funding. God bless you.”
Kinafou’s story is just one among hundreds, a testament to the transformative power of this initiative. These programs are not only providing financial lifelines but also igniting a sense of independence and empowerment that these women could only dream of before.
The momentum is undeniable. Beyond the initial 30 village savings and loan associations, the program has expanded to include eight additional groups. The success of the first wave has sparked a surge in demand, with both women and men eager to participate. What’s more, the original 30 groups are now funding and mentoring these new associations, proving that the community has truly embraced the program. This self-sustaining model is a testament to its long-term viability.
Global Affairs Canada’s funding for the ACT-Women project is a shining example of how international support can create lasting change. By championing the empowerment of women and adolescent girls, Global Affairs Canada is not only helping transform lives but also contributing to a more equitable, resilient society. This project directly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Thanks to Global Affairs Canada unwavering support, women and girls in the Tchologo region are reclaiming their futures. They are breaking free from the constraints of poverty, building financial independence, and shaping brighter, more hopeful lives. This project is more than an initiative; it’s proof that with determination, solidarity, and the right support, profound and lasting change is within reach.
 |
|---|
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
Join our community of supporters passionate about ending world hunger.
