From barriers to opportunities
"When I attended a farmers’ meeting in my region, I was told: “This is men's business.” Yet, I had the same skills and experience. Still, my voice didn't count" – Awa, farmer in Senegal.
This is far from an isolated case. Here as elsewhere, women face invisible yet undeniable barriers. The struggle is similar, even if the circumstances vary.
Those words, those stares, those same repeated exclusions shape a daily reality marked by invisible but powerful barriers. They manifest through persistent myths :
❌ “Women aren’t meant to lead.”
❌ “They don’t have the same business skills.”
These biases are anything but trivial. They deprive women of opportunities, income, and the power to act. In the end, it is society as a whole that loses: fewer solutions, less innovation, and less prosperity.
What if the future were built differently?
Women are the solution
The first step is to deconstruct stereotypes. But we need to do more.
We need to change the rules of the game and create the conditions for women to hold real power around the table. This is precisely what CECI's Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) achieves. It defines and implements those conditions, ensuring that women can speak up, take action, and be heard.
Each and every one of us can contribute to this change in our daily lives.
In concrete terms, we can do the following:
- Create spaces for listening and sharing where women are fully recognized.
- Support their projects and initiatives by valuing their expertise and leadership.
- Put an end to the stereotypes that limit their potential.
- Mobilize collectively to pave the way for change.
And with to this campaign, you too can contribute, even on a small scale, and be part of a global impact.
With the Action Toolkit, you will discover:
- What to say to deconstruct stereotypes and foster constructive discussions.
- What to do with 10 simple actions you can take in your daily life to turn momentum into tangible results.
Just imagine what we could achieve …
When women participate fully in the economy and society, it is a win-win situation for everyone :
Women-led businesses generate 10 to 20% more revenue
They reinvest up to 90% of their profits into their families and communities, compared to 35% for men.
Prosperity becomes more sustainable, inclusive, and widely shared.
Women are changing the rules of the game
In Senegal, Aida (18) has become a mechanic. In her workshop, she gains autonomy, challenges social standards, and inspires other young girls to believe in their dreams. Discover her story
In Bolivia, Dolly and other indigenous women combine ancestral knowledge with nature conservation to create unique soaps. By mastering the entire production and marketing chain, they strengthen their autonomy and ensure a stable income for their community. Discover their story
In Benin, Micheline and her collective of female farmers diversify their crops and create savings cooperatives to withstand the effects of climate change. As their leadership takes root, an entire ecosystem thrives despite the crises. Discover their story
In Guatemala, María transforms recycled materials into sustainable bags. Having received support in the face of the violence she endured, she has recently become financially independent and walks with her head held high as she weaves her future. Today, she is a role model for those around her and is helping build a circle of support for other women. Discover her story
Your commitment matters. It is part of a global movement already under way.
With CECI's Volunteer Cooperation Program, your actions will join those of thousands of people who are working to expand opportunities for women around the world.
2 million
people are already benefiting from concrete and sustainable solutions
75 %
of whom are women, who are gaining autonomy and greater decision-making power
1500
partner organizations work closely with us to support these initiatives
The power of our approach
Others speak about aid. We speak about solidarity.
We place women and young women at the heart of sustainable economic solutions by:
strengthening leadership and their participation in decision-making
promoting economic independence through inclusive finance
intégrant la résilience climatique dans chaque projet
integrating climate resilience into every project
L’égalité n’attend pas
Chaque jour qui passe sans égalité atteinte est une perte collective.
Moins d’opportunités. Moins de solutions. Moins de prospérité.
Nous ne pouvons plus attendre.
Avec la trousse du CECI, découvrez quoi dire et quoi faire pour poser des actions concrètes dans votre quotidien et soutenir le leadership féminin.
Join our network for equality!
Frequently asked questions
Why focus on women?
Because, although they reinvest more in their families and communities, women are still underrepresented in the global economy.
Does my action really make a difference?
Yes. Every action fuels a collective movement led by and for women, paving the way for shared prosperity.
Do I need to get involved internationally?
Not necessarily. Each and every one of us can have a global impact by taking action right where you are: by supporting our projects, sharing the campaign, and raising awareness among those around you. If you are ready to take it a step further, however, international volunteering is a very concrete way to get involved.
This awareness campaign is an activity of CECI's Volunteer Cooperation Program, funded by the Government of Canada.
