The WIFE Project

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The WIFE Project: Women's Initiative for Education & Empowerment

Banjul, GambiaDongoroba Village, Gambia
Year Founded:
2011
Organization type: 
nonprofit/ngo/citizen sector
Project Stage:
Established
Budget: 
< $1,000
Website:
http://bit.ly/1gfVnZf
Twitter: 
http://www.twitter.com/thewifeproject
Facebook: 
http://www.facebook.com/thewifeproject
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Project Summary
Elevator Pitch

Concise Summary: Help us pitch this solution! Provide an explanation within 3-4 short sentences.

The project uses innovative community-development and gender-sensitive climate-smart agricultural techniques to build the capacity of local women in the Gambia. The project is piloted in Dongoroba Village.

WHAT IF - Inspiration: Write one sentence that describes a way that your project dares to ask, "WHAT IF?"

we can empower all women socioeconomically across the Gambia
About Project

Problem: What problem is this project trying to address?

Women in the Gambia continue to experience poverty, social exclusion, and gender- and family-based violence. The project addresses: - Lack of education of women in the community - Poverty - Traditional gender role prescribed to women - Harmful traditional practices like FGC and early marriages - Land tenure system that prevents women's ownership of land - Exploitation by middlemen who capitalize on women's poverty

Solution: What is the proposed solution? Please be specific!

We help train the 300 women in Dongoroba Village in garden management, entrepreneurship, and climate-smart strategies. As well, we provide them with seeds, garden tools, and resources needed to jump-start their agribusiness. Most importantly, we try to connect them to markets and networks. We help them transition into becoming decision-makers and leaders at the village level and, hopefully, someday at the national level.
Impact: How does it Work

Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.

Since phase one of the project (2011 to beginning of 2013), around 700 women, men, and children have benefited from the few solutions we've provided. We already see a reduction in poverty.

Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?

When it comes to designing and implementing a socio-economic development program for women, partnerships at the national and international levels are crucial. In addition to partnering with community organizations, we have also partnered up with 1%Club, ActionAid, Earth Charter International, Network of African Youths for Development, and African Youth Initiative on Climate Change. We are currently collaborating with 1%Club and Accenture (The Netherlands) on the co-creation project, "1%StudentBattle", where we get to work with business and economic students to co-create solutions.
Sustainability

Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?

We will continue to diversify our fundraising strategy, and reach out to investors and businesses that will invest or partner up with the women in Dongoroba Village. In implementing the WIFE Project, we work closely with the Women Cooperative Society of Dongoroba Village (Women Kaffoo) and the Dongoroba Village Community Based Organization (DCBO).
Team

Founding Story

"I grew up in a community where women had minimal access to the most basic form of education and are denied land ownership rights. Through this project we're turning these same women into entrepreneurs." -- Ebrima Dem, Founder and Project Manager

Team

Founder and Project Manager: Ebrima Dem Project Field Coordinator: Sutura Sowe Communication Officer: Po-Yi Liu Social Media Assistant and Advisor: Laura Dem Administrative Support, Community Development, and Advisor: Madiba Sillah