Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie

Published purpose

The Women in Action project aims to increase climate change adaptation among vulnerable girls and women in the agricultural and forestry sectors in Sud- and Nord-Kivu, with benefits in terms of the conservation and restoration of forest biodiversity. Project activities include: (1) developing and equipping sites for climate-smart agricultural and agroforestry practices and nature-based restoration solutions; (2) providing protected-area managers, community leaders and private operators with training on positive masculinity and gender-based violence, and supporting the establishment of mechanisms to protect the rights of young women and women; and (3) providing technical support to forest concessions in local communities in terms of developing and monitoring simple management plans that prioritize the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and supporting young women’s and women’s adaptation to climate change. The project’s beneficiaries, who will receive training on positive masculinity, are estimated to be over 5,000 men. In addition, the living conditions and food security of over 30,000 household members, young women and women will improve. Five local organizations will receive support so they can mentor young women and men in terms of implementing nature-based solutions and adapting to climate change using gender-sensitive methods, even outside the project.