World Vision Launches the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Project

World Vision Launches the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Project to Transform Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth Across Lesotho

For Immediate Release

Maseru, Lesotho — November 1, 2024 – World Vision Lesotho is pleased to announce the launch of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Project, an impactful initiative aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women and youth across Lesotho. With generous funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and under the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP II), this 23-month project is poised to drive sustainable, inclusive growth in Lesotho’s rural communities.

Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities

World Vision’s ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable communities through its Livelihoods and Resilience Programme has long sought to break cycles of poverty by fostering economic stability and resilience. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, World Vision aims to lift the most marginalized families out of extreme poverty, nurturing a foundation for lasting change.

“Today’s launch of the GEWE Project represents a significant step in our journey toward gender equality and community resilience,” said National Director of World Vision Lesotho, James Chifwelu. “Empowering women to participate meaningfully in agriculture and leadership roles builds stronger families, healthier communities, and ultimately, a more equitable society.”

Project Overview

The GEWE Project is designed to enhance women’s leadership and decision-making roles, boost economic empowerment for women and youth, and foster gender-sensitive practices in agricultural labor. With activities focused on strengthening women’s voices and increasing access to financial resources, the project will directly benefit 4,000 women and farmer groups, including 3,500 youth, and impact over 1,000 women-led commodity groups. The project will support improved access to finance, innovative technologies, and capacity-building tools, equipping women and youth to drive lasting change in their communities.

Key outcomes of the project include:

• Improved Women’s Leadership in decision-making processes, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and agricultural resilience.

• Enhanced Economic Empowerment through access to finance and market opportunities for women and youth.

• Promotion of Gender-Sensitive Practices that contribute to balanced power relations and sustainable labor practices.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, and partners in SADP II, the GEWE Project will leverage strong local networks to implement inclusive, community-based solutions. By engaging youth representatives, faith leaders, and community members, the project will foster a supportive environment for gender equality and social inclusion.

The GEWE Project is not only about economic opportunity but about changing attitudes and uplifting voices that have been underrepresented. This partnership signifies a commitment to an inclusive and prosperous Lesotho.

World Vision invites stakeholders, partners, and the public to support the GEWE Project in transforming lives and promoting a brighter future for all. Together, we are creating pathways for women to lead, for youth to thrive, and for communities to become resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

ENDS.    

Note to Editor:

For more information contact:

Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, lerato_brown@wvi.org +266 58911020 or Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer, Reentseng_phephetho@wvi.org  +266 57430126

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/lesotho or follow us on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn