Ongoing project

Transformation of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through a Gender-Based Approach (TEA WEEB)

Bolivia

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Date

2022 - 2026

Financial contribution

$3,550,000 CAD

Global Affairs Canada

Consortium

Fundación Innovación en Empresariado Social (IES)

Impact for

18,356 people

with a majority of women

The TEA WEEB project aims to promote inclusive economic growth by focusing on women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the environment in which they operate in Bolivia. Indeed, approximately 50% of women have a monthly income below the national minimum wage and are more likely to work in poor conditions, in informal jobs, or to be unemployed.

Objectives

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Access to quality business development services (BDS) and networks for women-led MSMEs

TEA WEEB supports the improvement of development services for women-owned businesses. It also networks these MSMEs with other businesses, offering them sustainable business development services tailored to their needs and interests. Their connections to production and market networks then help them expand their businesses.

Recognition of women's business needs in government programs

The project raises awareness among the municipal governments of Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz, so that they can better respond to the needs and interests of women-led MSMEs through their programs and services. This recognition complements TEA WEEB's activities with a view to promoting the long-term sustainability of the project's results.

Women's participation in decision-making spaces and processes

To create an inclusive business environment that meets women's needs, TEA WEEB addresses the root causes of gender inequality. It supports strong women leaders as well as the development of tools, training and advocacy programs for financial institutions, regulators and various decision-making bodies.

Recognition of women's business needs in government programs

Economic autonomy for Bolivian women

By strengthening women's businesses, managers and employees see their economic situation improve

Over the past 10 years, Bolivian women have made unprecedented progress in terms of the dynamism and evolution of women's rights movements, rising education and literacy rates, falling birth rates, increased political participation and property ownership. Despite this progress, Bolivian women remain subject to high levels of domestic violence and economic inequality.

The economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and their employees is the key to improving their living conditions. To support them, the TEA WEEB project acts on a number of fronts, including supporting the development of women's businesses, their participation in decision-making and the recognition of their needs by governments. More specifically, the project reaches 360 MSMEs, 376 CEEB members, 120 CAMEBOL members and 25 directors of these two organizations, as well as dozens of government workers and representatives of private-sector institutions.