Model Program of Assistance to Enhance Technical and Entrepreneurial Skills of Business Women in Textiles and Related Products
Project / Program Summary

I.Basic data- Model Programme of Assistance to enhance Technical and Entrepreneurial Skills of Business Women in Textiles and Related Products

Sector(s): Finishing of textiles including manufacture of wearing apparel
Donor country / organization: Switzerland
Other donors / organizations involved: -
Beneficiary countries / regions: United Republic of Tanzania and similar projects in Mali & Burkina Faso
Implementing agencies in beneficiary countries / regions: Ministry of Community Development, Women and Children Affairs
Duration: 36 months
Starting Date: July 1994
Project / Program budget: US$1,109,900
Finance / Type of cooperation: technical cooperation

II.Project / program description

Improvement of Tanzanian textile, garment and related industries in terms of cost-effective production, quality and design; advancement of socio-economic status of women through formal and practical training and improvement of business skills.

  1. Objectives
    Development of women's participation as entrepreneurs. To enhance product design and quality and entrepreneurial capabilities of business women manufacturing textiles and related products.
  2. Activities / contents
    Market needs survey for product development; 6 national experts exposed to functioning of a similar project in Nairobi, Kenya; establishment of operational training facility; training documents on specific courses and methodology; administrative procedures addressing the sustainability; establishment of a database, a retail/outlet showroom; provided consultancy service such as environmental issues and on design/production techniques. Tracer study and manual on textile & product design.
  3. Expected outcomes / impacts
    Women entrepreneurs were trained and the total number directly and indirectly reached by the project was about 400. Monitoring the effect of the training both during and after showed that more than 75 per cent of the trainees had significantly improved their businesses with increased income and employment.
  4. Features in line with the Agenda for Action
    The project addresses gender mainstreaming providing advancement of women in industry, entrepreneurship development and capacity building, thus contributing to social development.

III.Contact point:

Team Leader: Ms. T. Ulusay De Groot, IPC/PSD & Mr. Y-H Lee, SES/AGR

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