UN Women partners with UCIP IFAD to increase women's economic resilience and entrepreneurship in rural areas

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UN Women and the Consolidated Programme Implementation Unit of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (UCIP IFAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to unify and strengthen their efforts to support gender equality and increase rural women’s economic resilience in the Republic of Moldova.

signing of memorandum
Photo credit: UN Women/Stela Dontu

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for cooperation between the two entities to support rural women by facilitating their access to financial resources, technical assistance and mentoring programmes for starting and developing their own businesses. This initiative will help create an enabling framework for developing sustainable women-led businesses and strengthen women’s participation in economic and social activities at the European Union level.

The partnership will cover several key areas to strengthen rural women’s entrepreneurial skills and improve their living conditions, including:

  • Increasing the economic resilience of women entrepreneurs in rural areas by expanding their access to financial resources and mentoring programmes.
  • Promoting equal opportunities and strengthening women's participation in economic activities and decision-making positions at the local level.
  • Supporting sustainable development initiatives that reduce poverty and increase women's capacity to cope with economic market shocks and climate change.
dominika
Photo credit: UN Women/Stela Dontu

"This Memorandum of Understanding underscores our shared commitment to promoting women's economic empowerment,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women’s Country Representative. “By facilitating access to financial resources, technical assistance, mentoring and capacity building, the partnership will strengthen the economic resilience of rural women, contributing to an inclusive economy. This partnership also directly supports global and national commitments to achieve gender equality, sustainable development and poverty reduction."

speaker
Photo credit: UN Women/Stela Dontu

"Women play an essential role in transforming rural communities, and through joint efforts we will be able to increase their economic resilience in rural areas,” said UCIP IFAD’s Director, Iurie Uşelu. “UCIP IFAD will facilitate women's access to financial resources and technical assistance for starting and developing their own businesses, contributing to sustainable rural development."

This collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It also contributes to achieving the Republic of Moldova's national goals in sustainable agriculture and poverty reduction.

About UN Women and UCIP IFAD

UN Women is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. The Consolidated Unit for the Implementation of IFAD Programmes (IFAD PICU) in the Republic of Moldova implements sustainable rural and economic development programmes financed by IFAD.