81313975-Womens' economic participation and prevention of gender-based violence in the Amazon (Implementation of Output 3 and 4)

The project Empowerment of Women as Key Actors for an Ecological and Socially Just Transformation in the Amazon aims to strengthen the equal social, economic, and political participation of women in the Amazon region. Scheduled to run from January 2025 to December 2027, this initiative addresses the structural, institutional, and social barriers that hinder women's participation in a Just Transition. Objectives and Approach The project employs a multi-level approach to empower women by enhancing specific skills, methodologies, and strategies. This empowerment enables women to demand gender equality, benefit from gender-equitable economic and political measures, and play significant roles in the civil society-state dialogue and policy-making processes. Role of the Ministry of Women's Affairs The Brazilian Ministry of Women's Affairs is the political partner and is responsible for developing and implementing gender equality policies. The project aims to strengthen the Ministry's coordination mechanisms and support its contributions to the multi-year plan (PPA) 2024-2027, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This support will include providing successful, scalable examples and visible results of gender policies. Focus on Priority Groups The project targets quilombola women and collectors of recyclable materials, who face significant social, ethnic, and gender-based discrimination. These groups lack effective access to representation, political visibility, and economic improvements. The project aims to strengthen these groups through organizational support and visibility, implementing pilot measures at the local level, and providing validated concepts for future national gender policies. Context and Importance Brazil ranks low in gender equality in Latin America, with extensive discrimination against indigenous, black, and quilombola women. In the Amazon region, which comprises 58.8% of Brazil's land area, 80% of the population identify as black or mixed-race. The project leverages this demographic to enhance political articulation and economic participation among black and quilombola women, who are vital for sustainable development due to their knowledge of biodiversity and sustainable practices. Governmental and Legislative Support Brazil's national laws and international agreements support gender equality and human rights. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration has introduced comprehensive legislation to guarantee women's rights and implement gender equality, including programs against violence and laws on equal pay. The Ministry of Women's Affairs, established in 2023, is tasked with implementing strategic programs such as Gender Equality in Political Participation, Women Living without Violence, and Women's Economic Empowerment. Expected Results The project aims to achieve the following outcomes: 1. Integration of strategic elements for anchoring gender equality in policy design for Just Transition. 2. Strengthening the competencies of female leaders for participatory policy design processes. 3. Piloting and continuation of strategies to enhance the economic participation of women in priority groups. 4. Adoption of transformative approaches to prevent gender-based violence in specific groups. By addressing the core problem of insufficient social, economic, and political participation of women in the Amazon, the project aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future.