Women in the Tafawoq Project

08.03.2024
As the world celebrates International Women's Day 2024, Swisscontact in Lebanon reflects on its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through its Tafawoq project. Since 2019, Tafawoq has been focusing on two pivotal aspects: equipping marginalized youth with essential skills for employment and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing markets.
Tafawoq's success is directly related to the integration of women into its initiatives. From enhancing skills through coaching cycles to enabling participation in MSME ventures like the Resuit initiative, women are at the forefront of change.
Digital Marketing Workshop for SMEs

Tafawoq's Impact on women in 2023:

  • Income Increase: 50% of the youth who witnessed a significant boost in their income are women.
  • Internship Opportunities: Out of the youth who accessed internships or on-the-job training, 44% were women.
  • Enhanced Skills: 54% of the youth who improved their networking, social, and personal skills were women.
  • Coaching Completion: Among the youth who completed the coaching cycle, 45% were women, showcasing their determination and readiness for the labor market.
  • MSME Support: Tafawoq's impact extended to MSMEs as well. Women-led enterprises accounted for 48% of the MSEs that improved their hiring practices, and 47% of MSMEs gained access to vital employment office services, empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Sara Mokdad at arcenciel's facility

Stories of Empowerment

Sara Mokdad, a seasoned tailor, shares her journey of resilience and empowerment through the Resuit initiative. Despite facing challenges due to Lebanon's economic crisis, Sara found opportunity in textile upcycling. Through her collaboration with our local partner arcenciel, she not only contributes to sustainable practices but also enjoys the benefits of market access.

A preview of the IZRAA app

Moreover, on the agricultural front, women engaged in food processing are utilizing the IZRAA app, a platform facilitating direct sales to consumers. This technological innovation not only empowers women economically but also fosters their independence and agency in the marketplace.

A Future of Inclusion

As we celebrate International Women's Day, Swisscontact reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity, gender equality, and empowerment. Together, let us strive for a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

This project is financed by the Leopold Bachmann Foundation, among other donors. This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.