In the northern Tunisian regions of Jendouba and Kairouan, a beacon of hope is shining bright for rural women. Launched in February 2024, the JP-RWEE project (Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress Towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment) is being spearheaded by DVV International and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The project is a global initiative aimed at securing rural women’s livelihoods, making their communities more resilient and securing their rights. It is committed to providing rural women with the resources they need to thrive. It is setting out to achieve this through the provision of training programmes focused on essential agricultural skills that also embrace modern techniques and innovation. JP-RWEE is also breaking down barriers by facilitating better access to markets, enabling the women to directly showcase and sell their produce, thereby increasing their economic independence.

Yet, the impact of JP-RWEE reaches far beyond economic empowerment. By fostering active participation in decision-making processes within their communities, the project is igniting a sense of agency and leadership among rural women. No longer relegated to the sidelines, their voices are gaining prominence, shaping the future trajectory of their villages and beyond.

Collaboration is the key to JP-RWEE's success. It is the result of partnership between the Ministry of Social Affairs, professional agricultural organizations (OPAs) such as agricultural development groups (GDAs) and multiple agricultural service companies (SMSAs) in five delegations of each governorate. Together, these partnerships are helping build a favourable ecosystem in which women are not simply beneficiaries, but active drivers of change.

As JP-RWEE embarks on its journey, carrying out needs assessments and selecting agricultural development groups (GDAs) to work with, the excitement is tangible in these rural communities.

Stay connected to witness first-hand the remarkable transformations taking place. MOJA will bring you regular updates on the project's progress and share inspiring success stories from the field, as we work through challenges and craft a brighter and more inclusive future together.