Summary

Implementation of the project components will equip rural women with the necessary skills, tools, and resources to improve their livelihoods and improve their socio-economic status. With a strong focus on green agricultural production and rural tourism, this initiative aspires to unleash a wave of transformative change in the northern, least developed region of Montenegro (focusing on municipalities of Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Plav) and contribute to the just and gender-responsive transition to low carbon development. FAO will focus on capacity development in municipalities that have already developed basis for infrastructure and support services for rural and agricultural development, which require further improvement (Berane and Bijelo Polje). UNDP will focus on further advancement and establishment of a new support system in Berane, Bijelo Polje, and the establishment of a basic support system in Plav. 

Background

This United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) targets rural women specifically, with the objective of increasing their knowledge of business development and green innovation and improving their access to financing to empower rural women and drive sustainable economic growth in northern communities. Using the data obtained as a result of the Country Gender Assessment (CGA) and creating opportunities for networking, learning, and participation, the project will provide effective measures that contribute to a collaborative and enabling environment for rural women entrepreneurs. This multifaceted and innovation-driven approach demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy for inclusive and green growth. 

Project Outcome

Outcome: All people, especially the vulnerable, benefit from improved management and state of natural resources and increasingly innovative, competitive, gender-responsive and inclusive economic development that is climate resilient and low-carbon. 

Result: Private sector growth, economic transformation and decent jobs generated through innovation, increased institutional capacities, policies and inclusive and gender-responsive policy frameworks to enhance productivity and competitiveness.