Santo Domingo.- The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Andalusian Solidarity Association for Development (ASAD) and two Dominican civil society organizations, will co-fund a project to reduce inequalities in seven Dominican provinces.
The initiative, “Weaving Networks: Cultivating Autonomy and Collective Growth,” aims to promote economic autonomy for rural women and youth. It will strengthen the National Confederation of Rural Women (Conamuca) in collaboration with the Center for Research on Women’s Action (Cipaf). The project will be implemented over two years with a budget of 60 million pesos (just over 1 million USD) in San Cristóbal, Elías Piña, Monte Plata, San Juan, Ocoa, La Altagracia, and Espaillat.
The project will emphasize gender equality, food sovereignty, agroecology, and clean production. Its goals include strengthening Conamuca’s institutions, implementing economic initiatives, developing markets, and promoting public policies for food sovereignty.
EU Ambassador Katja Afheldt praised Conamuca’s efforts in defending rural women’s rights and promoting equitable public policies. Conamuca representative Katherina Cabrera outlined the challenges faced by rural women and youth, informing the project’s objectives. Spanish Ambassador Antonio Pérez-Hernández y Torra stressed the importance of civil society’s role in achieving gender equality.