Development of Women Self-Support Groups in Rural Areas

to contribute to poverty reduction and women increased participation in socio-economic life of their communities through establishment and development of 10 women self-support groups and their involvement in income-generating activities in 5 rural districts of Tajikistan by replicating the successful experience of women self-support groups (SSG) from rural areas of Abdurahmoni Jomi district to other four pilot areas (Hissor, Nurobod, Rudaki and Faizobod).

The project improved the knowledge and skills of 100 rural women in small business development and income-generation management in 5 target districts, and introduced effective community-based income-generating self-support practices and good governance mechanisms among women groups in 5 rural areas. It contributed to increased women self-esteem, assertiveness in small business, leadership skills, and reduced stereotypes about the role of women in the society.

The long-term effects of the project will be the greater number of sustainable women self-support groups and best effective mechanism of women participation in the socio-economic life of their communities disseminated throughout the country.