United Methodist Women Economic Development Initiative (EDI) creates economic opportunities even in the most vulnerable rural communities. The seed grants support women entrepreneurs to start and run viable small enterprises, agribusinesses and income-generating activities. The opportunities that these small grants create for women, their families and communities are powerful catalysts, especially during COVID-19 when the economic situation is becoming more and more insecure.
Project Stories from three Annual Conferences in Mozambique
Mozambique is a low-income country in the south of Africa; it ranks 181 out of 188 countries in the UNDP Human Development Index and has a Gross National Income per capita of USD 460. Government employs the bulk of the country’s workforce (74.6%). Low education levels are a major hindrance to employment and productivity. Sixty-four percent (64 %) of the workforce is self-employed, and 46% of the population of 29 million is classified as poor.
About 66% of the 29 million population live and work in rural areas. Main cash crops include tobacco, bananas, cashews, cotton and sugar. The Mozambique agriculture sector is a major employer with 74.6% of the total workforce, but characterized by subsistence farming with very low productivity. Only 33% of the rural population lives within 2 km. of an all-season road; just 50% of the population is directly connected to potable water.
Gender inequality: Mozambique ranks 149 out of 159 countries in the UNDP Gender Inequality index.
Unemployment stands at 20.7% generally, with 19.7% male and 21.8% female, while unemployment of youth between 15 and 22 years old stands at 30%. Women comprise 63% of the unskilled workforce, especially in agriculture. There is pervasive poverty and inequality, notably in rural areas where most of the population lives and is dependent on subsistence agriculture.
Below are the project and human stories of the impact these small economic empowerment grants have at a grassroots level.
"Girls Without Future: Sewing Project"
"Girls Without Future: The Story of Rosa"
"Help Me to Walk: Fish Farming in Mozambique"
"The Poultry Project: When Opportunity Meets Preparation, Great Things Happen!"