Rural women will become more resilient to climate change with support from Canada, UN Women, and UNDP

The project aims to address the systemic barriers faced by women working in agriculture and forestry and to promote equitable access to knowledge, economic resources, and decision-making processes.

“Today, it’s my pleasure to share that Canada will invest $4.5 million US dollars in this new technical assistance project, designed to support women’s work on sustainable agriculture, pasture and forestry initiatives here in Moldova. This project will ensure that rural women and women refugees can access training to build new skills in climate-smart agriculture and forestry, as well as in leadership, financial management, and business development. This initiative will not only help thousands of women make more money to support their families and their communities. It will also help the agriculture, forestry, and conservation sectors adapt to become more resilient against the increasing droughts and storms that we face due to climate change,” said Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

"This partnership project with Canada and UN Women will contribute to building sustainable and resilient communities through empowering women engaged in climate responsive agri- and forest businesses. Women are agents of change in their communities and with access to finances, knowledge, and skills, they can drive prosperity and growth for all. In the context of Moldova’s urgent need for forest restoration and sustainable land use, this project will promote sustainable forest and pasture management, recognizing the central role women play in safeguarding ecosystems, restoring degraded landscapes, and contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. By investing in women’s leadership in forestry, we are also investing in biodiversity, community cohesion, and climate resilience," said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

”Climate change has multiple effects on the environment, the ecosystems and the biodiversity, it inevitably impacts people’s lives, but more disproportionally women. Women bear the higher burden due to structural inequalities and existing gender stereotypes, especially in rural areas. UN Women supports gender-inclusive initiatives that provide access to sustainable and climate-smart business, through specific programs which include tailored trainings, vouchers support and expanded economic opportunities. Strengthening women’s access to finance will further enable investment in climate-smart agribusinesses and open market-driven opportunities for women entrepreneurship. By strengthening their ability to lead and innovate, we contribute to the resilience of communities and governance that reflects everyone's needs,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Representative to Moldova.

Based on an analysis of women’s access to educational opportunities, the project will identify the barriers and challenges that hinder women’s full participation in education and training in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Subsequently, training programmes will be adapted to meet the specific needs of women. As a result, rural women and other interested community members will have access to training in sustainable forest and agricultural management, business development, and leadership.

Another expected outcome is the improvement of financial literacy among women entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to financial resources through partnerships with banking institutions and public or private actors. The project will promote the development of women-led businesses by supporting access to loans, grants, and private investors.

At the local level, the project will focus on the Bugeac Steppe region, which faces heightened climate vulnerabilities, advanced land degradation, and pronounced economic disparities.

The project will encourage women’s participation in climate-smart and resilient agriculture, as well as in decision-making processes.

With support from Canada, a community-based forestry enterprise will be developed, creating economic opportunities for rural women. This enterprise will produce tree and forest plant species adapted to local climate conditions, contributing to the restoration of forests and pastures. Emphasis will be placed on agroforestry, ecotourism, and non-timber forest products.

At the same time, the project will work with national authorities and local public administrations to design and implement climate adaptation policies that support inclusive forest management and promote gender equality. This will contribute to a strengthened governance framework that ensures all community members, especially women have a voice in decision-making processes.

The project will also prioritize the creation of more employment opportunities by fostering the dialogue and partnership between private sector partners and VET (Vocational Education and Training) institutions, with a specific focus on agro-industrial colleges, facilitating the development of women-led forest and agricultural enterprises.

Through these measures, Canada, UN Women, and UNDP will contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities, enhanced biodiversity, and increased engagement of women in the agricultural and forestry sectors.