PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, November 12, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
Her Excellency Ms Marjaana SALL, Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Seychelles met with the Seychelles Alliance for Women Development (SAWD) in their offices at Providence. The visit allowed H.E. Ms Marjaana SALL to discuss with beneficiaries of the women-empowerment project funded by the EU.
In December 2011, the Seychelles Alliance for Women Development received a grant of approximately 100 000 EUR from the EU. The objective of the EU grant was to assist the organization in implementing a two-year project targeting local women in distress through psychological, social and economic empowerment so that they can become self-reliant. The project has been successfully implemented. Through the project, 173 women have received support.
The project assisted in the setting up of an Empowerment Helpline, to listen to and provide psychological advice to women in distress. The project also assisted in the setting up of an incubator which provides orientation, training, consultancy and assistance to women to set up their small businesses. There is a clear link between women empowerment, family’s well-being and poverty reduction. The economic empowerment of women, via entrepreneurship, can significantly contribute to poverty reduction.
HE Ms Sall stated:
– ‘It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that the European Union can assist with the upgrading of the status of vulnerable women. Self-reliance and entrepreneurship are important to increase gender equality and economic growth. For instance, it is estimated that by boosting entrepreneurship, 4 million new jobs can be created annually within the EU. Moreover, entrepreneurship contributes to social objectives like human dignity, liberty, respect for human rights, non-discrimination, tolerance, solidarity and equality between women and men. ‘
