The Women's Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEERD) was a crucial initiative of Afghanistan's Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) to enhance impoverished rural women's social and economic empowerment in 76 districts spread across 34 provinces.
Problems and Purpose
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The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) of the Afghanistan Republic government aimed to improve the well-being of rural communities, particularly those who were disadvantaged and vulnerable, by providing vital services, empowering local governance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. MRRD achieved this goal through national governance, infrastructure, and economic growth programs funded by donors. Furthermore, The Afghan Government took steps to strengthen Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) by launching the WEE-NPP (Women Economic Empowerment - National Priority Program). This inclusive program had various pillars, including the WEE-RDP (Women Economic Empowerment - Rural Development Program). AREDP, which has had successes in this area, intended to become more systematic in its approach and work in partnership at all levels of intervention. They aimed to strengthen business service providers and institutions, particularly those focused on women. During the transition to WEE-RDP, AREDP acted as a facilitator and worked with Implementing Partners (IPs) and Facilitating Partners (FPs) to strengthen the overall growth of the rural economy under the Citizen Charter.
The WEE-RDP's Project Development Objective aimed to enhance the social and economic empowerment of impoverished rural women in specific communities in Afghanistan. The primary goal of the WEE-RDP was to encourage women's economic empowerment through the creation of robust, financially viable, and self-governed community organizations. This would then lead to improved income, the development of sustainable enterprises, and better access to finance and markets.[i][2]
[i] Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). Woman Economic Empowerment – Rural Development Program (WEERDP) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). 2018. https://www.coursehero.com/file/88910891/Environmental-and-Social-Management-Framework-of-WEE-RDPdocx/
Background History and Context
In July 2018, the Women Economic Empowerment-Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP) began preparations to launch its national program. On October 23rd, 2018, the program went into effect after a financing agreement was signed between the GoIRA and World Bank. The launch received extensive media coverage. Over the next five years, WEERDP aimed to increase the social and economic empowerment of poor rural women in selected communities across Afghanistan. The program operated in close collaboration, partnership, and coordination with various National Priority Programs (NPPs), covering 5,000 villages and 76 districts in 34 provinces. This program brought hope for local economic development in the country.
After putting much effort into creating and updating various documents, manuals, strategies, and training materials, WEERDP began mobilizing communities in provinces already part of the AREDP program. Field staff were trained in two batches on the program's characteristics and leading activities. The communities have shown a great interest in setting up women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in new villages and have been cooperating with the field staff. WEERDP worked closely with the Citizens' Charter Afghanistan Project (CCAP) at both the central and field levels and utilized their community mobilization efforts in all 34 provinces. WEERDP focused on helping ultra-poor families identified by the CCAP's vulnerability assessment in each village and developed a specific strategy for insecure areas. Furthermore, A three-day workshop was conducted for MRRD Provincial Directors, during which the WEERDP executive director provided a briefing on program activities and requested their ongoing support and assistance.
This program had several components, including Community Mobilization and Institution Development (CMID). WEE-RDP aimed to introduce self-help groups into rural areas, allowing individuals to learn and practice micro-savings, access credit, and invest in their micro-enterprises. These groups were then formed into Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to access finance on a larger scale. The availability of finance allowed rural entrepreneurs to invest in their enterprises.
The objective of the component was to build sustainable community institutions through social and economic mobilization. The project heavily drew on the mobilization efforts undertaken by the Citizens’ Charter program of MRRD and leveraged the network of facilitating partners working with the program.
Component 2: Access to Finance (A2F)
Access to Finance had several essential tasks, such as finding established Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promoting them to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). They also provided VSLAs with resources like record-keeping books, lending methods, technical assistance, and guidance to help with the financing process. Access to Finance followed up on VSLA registration with MRRD/WEERDP and provided seed capital grants to eligible and mature SHGs and VSLAs. They identified commercial banks and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) that could provide VSLAs with increased capital for Islamic modes of financing. The ultimate goal was to create sustainable financial services in rural areas and to prepare women's groups to connect with MFIs and become bankable.
Component 3: Enterprise Development and Market Linkages (EDML)
The goal of the Enterprise Development and Market Linkages (EDML) component was to fund shared assets that benefit the public based on business requirements and evaluations of market shortcomings. This investment helped to stimulate growth by coordinating individual-level investments, resulting in economies of scale. Technical support, business development assistance, and market exposure were also provided. The unit aimed to form partnerships and alliances with the private sector, public sector, bilateral donor-funded programs, and others to establish market connections for EGs and PAs, ultimately providing market access.[i][3]
[i]Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP). Annual Report. 2018. https://mrrd.gov.af/sites/default/files/201903/WEERDP_ANNUAL%20REPORT%202018_compressed.pdf
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) implemented the project, while the World Bank provided funding and various technical assistance.
Participant Recruitment and Selection
Almost half of the program staff, including seven regional managers, have been hired and settled in Kabul and surrounding regions. Recruitment of district coordinators, officers, and enterprise development officers was underway. On December 16, 2019, a WEE-RDP Orientation Workshop was held in Kabul for newly recruited regional managers, program officers, and the rest of the program staff. The workshop included presentations from the WEERDP Executive Director, Unit Heads, and guests from the World Bank and UN-Habitat who talked about Gender Mainstreaming and community mobilization best practices.
Successfully recruited new employees from national and international sources, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. This includes completing all necessary reports and processing the new hires appropriately.
Here are some Key Achievements in the Human Resources process:
1. Successfully recruited new employees from national and international sources, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. This includes completing all necessary reports and processing the new hires appropriately.
2. Developed new Terms of Reference (TORs) and updated existing ones to align with the National Training Authority (NTA) policy.
3. Prepared an HR plan and organizational structure using NTA policy and the World Bank's National Operational Guidelines (NOL).
4. Provided training to HR managers of civil servants from all 34 provinces as a means of building capacity within the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) employee base.
5. Implemented the Afghanistan Work Law and MRRD's HR policy for all program employees, covering leaves, attendance, payment processes and contracts, recruitment, and benefits and compensations.[i][3]
[i] Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP). Annual Report. 2018. https://mrrd.gov.af/sites/default/files/201903/WEERDP_ANNUAL%20REPORT%202018_compressed.pdf
Methods and Tools Used
To ensure the successful implementation of WEE-RDP, the World Bank task team provided crucial support based on their experience with AREDP. This support addressed the risks and challenges identified in the SORT risk matrix. It included half-yearly implementation support missions, technical assistance to address weaknesses, building partnerships, documenting lessons learned from implementation challenges, and scaling best practices.[i][4]
[i] The world Bank. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP) Project. Agriculture Global Practice, South Asia Region2018. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/235601538364654826/pdf/Afghanistan-Womens-Economic-PAD-09112018.pdf
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
Between July and December 2018, the provincial monitoring and evaluation officers and the PMO M&E team conducted 3,552 field visits to self-help groups, enterprise groups, and village savings and loan associations in Herat. Out of the total visits made to Balkh, Parwan, Bamyan, and Nangarhar provinces, 1,303 had observations, and 1,061 of them were resolved after coordination with regional offices and other relevant units in the center. The team also monitored training sessions and market linkages in the targeted provinces. Furthermore, the monitoring and evaluating BDSP officers from PMO Kabul visited program entities such as SHGs, SGs, EGs, and VSLAs. They monitored their training sessions and market linkage associations in the targeted provinces.
From July to December 2018, monitoring and evaluation officers from the province conducted 3216 on-site visits to various groups, including saving groups, self-help groups, enterprise groups, village savings and loan associations in Herat, Balkh, Parwan, Bamyan, and Nangarhar Provinces to monitor their operational activities. Additionally, they monitored 204 training sessions and 324 market linkages in the provinces listed above.
The Gender Unit of WEERDP developed a manual to address gender-based violence and increase women's participation in programming and policy. This was achieved by implementing collaborative efforts, conducting gender analysis and GBV risk assessments, elevating women as leaders, engaging men as allies, addressing the needs of deprived communities, involving civil society and the private sector, and providing training for both staff and beneficiaries on GBV. The training methods followed the WEERDP gender unit designed module, and a zero-tolerance policy on prevention and response to sexual harassment and gender-based violence was enforced. A code of conduct for all contracted agency staff, including FPs, was also established. Furthermore, climate considerations were integrated into EG/PA activities in agriculture to ensure a holistic approach to gender equality and safety.[i][3]
On February 4, 2019, the Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEERDP) was launched in the Firozkooh district. The inauguration ceremony was attended by government officials, community representatives, civil society organizations, and local and national media. The program aimed to empower women in rural areas and create self-help groups (SHGs) in 194 villages and councils.
During the ceremony, Ghor PRRD director Mr. Mahfozullah Fakor presented the program's objectives and activities and called for cooperation from local authorities and civil society institutions. Mr. Ali Hassan Ahmadi, representing the governor's office, highlighted the economic challenges villages face and the importance of the program's implementation in Ghor province. Abdul Hameed Nataqi, a representative of the provincial council, praised the program's focus on women's contribution and allocation of shares and encouraged greater participation.
Overall, the WEERDP launch was a positive step toward empowering women in rural areas and promoting economic development.
Halima Sharifi, who heads the Ghor women's affairs provincial directorate, stated that women are the most vulnerable and affected group in society, both socially and economically. However, more must be done to build their capacity and promote economic growth. Despite this, she remains optimistic that positive change will come and improve the economic lives of women and their families.
The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD)'s Women, Economic Empowerment and Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan (MAIL)'s National Horticulture and Livestock Program (NHLP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation and coordination. The first coordination meeting was held at the WEE-RDP office in Kabul, where both parties agreed to provide support in technical skills, communication, market linkages, value chain, and enterprise development capacities to locally based community institutions.
On February 20, 2019, the Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEERDP) was officially launched in Logar province by MRRD. The inauguration ceremony took place at the governor's office. The province governor, Mr. Anwar Khan Eshaqzai, district governors, sectorial directors, women representatives, media, and village council members attended it. Governor Ehaqzai expressed his support for the program and its importance for rural women. The program will cover Logar's Puli Alam and Khoshi districts and establish 181 Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs) over five years. WEERDP will provide 116 million Afghanis in complimentary assistance to the VSLAs.[ii][1]
During the event, other speakers and participants praised the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development and its directorate in Ghor province. They emphasized the importance of preserving excellence while implementing the program's objectives to create employment opportunities and support the growth of local products in villages.
Twenty beneficiaries of the Women's Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEERDP/MRRD) recently participated in the second summit of the Afghanistan Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI). This event aimed to identify the best women entrepreneurs and explore the working challenges and opportunities for women in 12 provinces of Afghanistan.
Several notable figures also attended the summit, including Ms. Spozhmai Wardak, Technical and Policy Deputy of the Ministry of Women Affairs; Ms. Amena Ahmady, Director General of Revenue at the Ministry of Finance; and Ms. Shahrzad Hirji, Ambassador of Agha Khan, among others. Over 200 businesswomen from various provinces of Afghanistan took part in the summit.
Discussions centred around marketing methods, human resources, and management during the event. Representatives from various organizations delivered presentations on these topics. Ms. Zahra Mohammadi, a WEERDP/MRRD beneficiary from Bamyan province, was awarded the Bibi Khadija Award for the best women entrepreneur of the year. This award is given annually by the AWCCI to successful and accomplished women entrepreneurs. This year, 15 women entrepreneurs from 13 provinces received the award.[iii][1]
[i] Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP). Annual Report. 2018. https://mrrd.gov.af/sites/default/files/201903/WEERDP_ANNUAL%20REPORT%202018_compressed.pdf
[ii] WEERDP/MRRD. About WEERDP/MRRD: newsletter. 2019. https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1
[iii] WEERDP/MRRD. About WEERDP/MRRD: newsletter. 2019. https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
The WEERDP program established 40,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 5,000 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), 5,000 Enterprise Groups (EGs), and 500 Producer Associations (PAs) in two districts of every province. Its goal was to boost the rural economy and create job opportunities for program beneficiaries, with 80% being female. Over five years, 6,250 Community Development Councils (CDCs) were set up to achieve these objectives.[i][5]
[i] WEERDP/MRRD. About WEERDP/MRRD: Newsletter Issue #17. Nov 2019. https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1
Analysis and Lessons Learned
A few things were learned as Lesseon learned about the start-up of WEE-RDP. Despite a change in context, the transition from AREDP to WEE-RDP went smoothly, with mobilization, structuring, and implementation. This experience proved to be a valuable asset for the WEE-RDP Program.
Several challenges arose during the implementation of WEE-RDP. Insecurity was a major concern in many of the targeted areas, impeding planned activities' progress. Additionally, there were instances of duplication in certain provinces, where similar activities have been executed by various I/NGOs, leading to contradictions in implementation. Finding qualified female staff for field operations could also be complex. However, WEE-RDP was committed to exploring alternative solutions. Another challenge was the budget gap that occurred between December and March. As the Afghan fiscal year started on January 1st and ended on December 31st, there was a two-month gap where all budget processes and utilization were stopped. This caused delays in the timing of operations.
Finally, sensitivity to certain regions' social, cultural, and religious restrictions must be considered, as they could potentially cause delays in progress. It is necessary to allocate more time to work with influential community figures and scholars to mobilize and persuade
See Also
https://www.mrrd.gov.af/node/406
https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/procurement-detail/OP00063120
https://thekabultimes.com/the-supportive-role-of-mrrd-in-empowerment-of-rural-women-in-afghanistan/
https://easyjoob.com/companies/wee-rdp-mrrd/
https://policycommons.net/artifacts/1268886/afghanistan/1849284/
https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1
References
[1] WEERDP/MRRD. About WEERDP/MRRD: newsletter.2019. https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1
[2] Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP). Annual Report. 2018. https://mrrd.gov.af/sites/default/files/201903/WEERDP_ANNUAL%20REPORT%202018_compressed.pdf
[3] Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). Woman Economic Empowerment – Rural Development Program (WEERDP) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). 2018. https://www.coursehero.com/file/88910891/Environmental-and-Social-Management-Framework-of-WEE-RDPdocx/
[4] The world Bank. Women Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (WEE-RDP) Project. Agriculture Global Practice, South Asia Region2018. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/235601538364654826/pdf/Afghanistan-Womens-Economic-PAD-09112018.pdf
[5] WEERDP/MRRD. About WEERDP/MRRD: Newsletter Issue #17. Nov 2019. https://mrrd.gov.af/publications?page=1