The NGO “Light of Hope” completes the implementation of an initiative aimed at strengthening the economic security of rural women and representatives of vulnerable groups.
The results of the five-year work of the Wings project (Women involved: the path to growth and economic security) were discussed during the final regional event. It was attended by representatives of the team that brought the initiative to life, and women who, through participation in the project, started their own business, found their vocation or were able to monetize their hobby.
“This is one of the most powerful projects of our organization, which was implemented with a number of partners, including business. Therefore, it has become a good example of how the combination of efforts contributes to a successful outcome. I am grateful to partners and participants for their trust,” Anatoly Pavlenko, Deputy Director of NGO “Light of Hope”, said.
The project consisted of several sessions at the Opportunities Workshop, aimed at developing the potential of each of the participants, encouraging them to find their strengths and resources. Trainings on employability and starting and running a business were also conducted for women. Those who wanted to write business plans after training, the winners received financial support for the purchase of the necessary equipment.
“This project is a tremendous experience for me as well. It was nice to see how important he was to the residents of the community. It was inspiring. Special were those sets when internally displaced people joined us. They showed true strength of spirit. They showed how having lost almost everything, you can hold on and go to your goal,” said local coordinator Natalia Khorolska-Chumarna.
During the implementation of the project, seven sets took place. 183 women received start-up funding. Another 16 became winners of the Business Model Validation Program. These are women who already had a working business or a clearly spelled out idea.
“First of all, I am grateful to the Regional Coordinator Irina Dudka for her very helpful advice. She said in the first lesson: “Your life will change dramatically.” And all the women here can confirm that this happened,” said project participant Natalia.
Project Wings is being implemented by Pact and NGO Light of Hope with the support of the Government of Canada. The project partner is Astarta-Kyiv agro-industrial holding.
