Women with an economic activity in their households could benefit from non-reimbursable financial aid of up to US$3,500 to practice income-generating, environmentally friendly and climate resilient activities. The grants will be offered by the UNDP project "Sustainable and resilient communities through women empowerment", funded by Sweden. The grants call is open to women from rural and urban communities from districts of Nisporeni, Calarasi, Basarabeasca, Leova, Gagauzia region, the security zone and the Transnistrian region.

The activities eligible for funding include: construction of greenhouses, drip irrigation, rainwater collection, management of organic waste, composting, beekeeping, creation of warehouses for seeds and agricultural products, animal farming and other related activities, which would contribute to food security in the most extreme weather conditions.

Overall, 60 women who initiated their own economic activity in their households will be selected, who will also benefit from mentoring services for development of their businesses. Financial contribution from grant applicants is encouraged but is not mandatory. Co-financing is to be ensured through works related to the implementation of the grant. More details about the terms of participation in the call and the eligible activities can be found here. Project proposals can be submitted by 23:59, 8 December 2021.

During 30 November – 1 December, the experts of the UNDP project and AXA Management Consulting, in partnership with CONTACT Center and the INNOVATION Agency, who are responsible for the management of the grants call, will organize online information sessions on the terms and requirement of the call. The calendar of the information sessions is available here. The sessions will be offered free of charge, in Romanian and Russian, and those wishing to participate are invited to register by filling out the available form here (for the session in Romanian) or here (for the session in Russian).

The “Sustainable and resilient communities through women empowerment” project contributes to the sustainable development and increased resilience to climate change of local communities in Nisporeni, Calarasi, Basarabeasca, Leova districts, Gagauzia region, the security zone and Transnistrian region through economic, social, and educational empowerment of women. The project beneficiaries are environmental NGOs, local public administrations, women entrepreneurs, and women-led households in the target districts who will be assisted in identifying, formulating, planning, and implementing initiatives to reduce environmental degradation and enhance climate change resilience at the local level. The project is implemented by UNDP between 2020 and 2023 with the financial assistance of Sweden.