Build Back Equal Project- a comprehensive approach to create an enabling environment for economic resilience not only for women, but for all people

UN Women photo / Stormy Windz Productions

Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – July 2023: UN Women MCO Caribbean Representative Tonni Brodber told the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Project Steering Committee at the country’s project launch:

“Empowerment is access to resources, strengthened skillsets, access to justice and social protection mechanisms. If we want to ensure men are also thriving in those areas, then we have to reframe what men see as dignity. It is not defined by power over, but your humanity and contribution to your space. We have to let young men know they have so much to offer within the formal economy, because we see them thriving in informal ways that are risky and life threatening”.

Global Affairs Canada is funding the BBE Project and UN Women MCO Caribbean is leading the implementation with UNFPA Caribbean office.

SVG government officials said women’s MSMEs were impacted by recent crises and while government did its best to provide subsidies, some still face difficulties.

Minister of National Mobilisation including Gender Affairs, Orando Brewster.

UN Women photo / Stormy Windz Productions

Minister of National Mobilisation including Gender Affairs, Orando Brewster explained: “The effects of COVID-19 and the volcano were also seen in industries like tourism and the service sector. Women were forced to cut back on their work hours or quit their employment, which eventually had an effect on household income. Additionally, quite a few Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with female leadership suffered significant setbacks”.

UN Women photo / Stormy Windz Productions

The #BBEProject is offering creative financing options and skillset development for the women to effectively use the finances to grow their business in a business and climate-resilient manner. Some women-owned businesses and products were also displayed at the event.

David-Éric Simard, First Secretary for Development, High Commission of Canada in Barbados.

UN Women photo / Stormy Windz Productions

First Secretary, High Commission of Canada to Barbados, David-Éric Simard stressed a specific definition of feminism in alignment with the #BBEProject, that “…in spite of our differences we should all be treated fairly and with respect”. He reiterated that with the launch of Canada’s feminist policy, Gender equality was reaffirmed as a key priority at home and abroad, to ensure women reach their full potential so they can own their own livelihoods.