The project seeks to contribute to the empowerment of women at risk of poverty and female returnees through the acquisition of agricultural skills and the establishment of women associations, by enabling women manage their own agricultural (micro) business and improve their decision-making position within their respective families, their community and society. The project targets four (4) municipalities of Kosovo (Prishtina/ Pristina, Graçanica/ Gračanica, Ferizaj/ Uroševac and Junik).
The direct target group of the project includes disadvantaged, vulnerable women in rural areas of Kosovo. Some of them are returnees from Western countries and many are members of the Roma community.
Within the project:
• 220 women developed business plans with support of CARE which will lead them to self-employment.
• For 93 women, the project has provided the in-kind support they need to establish their own (micro) agriculture business, 10% of beneficiaries are female returnees. The women have also received training on agricultural production and start-up management.
• During the project timeline, four women’s agri-business associations have been established and supported with equipment and technical support.
• Through the advocacy component, hundreds of women will benefit indirectly from the initiative to improve laws on agribusiness and to increase sensitivity of local politicians to the needs of women and returnees.
• Through the project produced documentary about returnees, the project is reaching general audience both in Kosovo and Germany. This is expected to increase awareness for the difficulties they face in reintegrating into Kosovo society.
