US embassy in Tunis launches Women in Agriculture Gain Security project in four governorates

TUNIS: The Embassy of the United States of America in Tunisia launched on Friday the "Women in Agriculture Gain Economic Security" (WAGES) project, which supports 12 women-led cooperatives in the governorates of Nabeul, Sousse, Jendouba and Beja. U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood launched this project as an expression of the U.S. government's commitment to empowering women in the agricultural sector in Tunisia, noting that the project is based on providing innovative technical and business strategies to address climate change, increase profitability, and improve food security, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement, a copy of which was received by TAP on Friday. Project components include technical training, capacity building, and the provision of sustainable and innovative equipment, and the number of beneficiaries of the support programme will reach 200 rural women working in agriculture and agribusiness, according to the same statement. The programme will also help develop women's business skills and improve the value chain of their products, thereby increasing their incomes, creating new employment opportunities, and contributing to the economic development of their communities. The US Ambassador stressed that this project is in line with the key role played by Tunisian women in the agricultural sector, noting that its launch coincides with the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8. He praised Tunisia's track record in promoting women's achievements in business, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and security, and commended the participation of representatives of the 12 women-led farmers' cooperatives who attended the project launch ceremony. The project is funded with USD 2.1 million and will be implemented over 36 months by Deloitte in partnership with local organisations and stakeholders. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse