MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: United Nations and CARE International Complete Financial Empowerment Training Program for Liberian Women

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the development arm of the United Nations, a humanitarian organization promoting peace and better living standards, in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations’ investment capital and technical advice program, and CARE International, a Swiss non-governmental organization, has completed a week-long financial training program for 100 women representing five community-based organizations in Liberia. The community organizations include: Youths for Destiny Community Development Saving Organization of the Children Assistance Program, Healthy Communities for a Brighter Future, Bonjah Community Development Association of the United Muslim Women Empowerment Organization, Independent Women Saving Association and the Outland Saving and Loan Association.

The training is intended to assist women in increasing their social capital, financial security and property acquisition. The training is provided as part of the Launch of an Inclusive Financial Sector Program in Liberia, which is UNDP’s and UNCDF’s program to assist the government of Liberia in developing an inclusive financial sector that provides access to financial services for poor and low-income people and for micro-and small enterprises. The training is also provided as part of CARE International’s Village Saving and Loan Associations project, which seeks to financially empower women.

By Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About the United Nations Development Program:
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is the United Nation’s development arm. The mission of UNDP is to provide developing countries with knowledge, experience and resources in line with the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goals, http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/news.shtml. UNDP operates in 166 countries and works directly with national governments. UNDP also publishes the annual Human Development Report, which provides a benchmark for development from each of its country offices.

About the United Nations Capital Development Fund:
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the United Nations capital deployment arm and provides investment capital and technical advice to developing countries to promote private sector development, including microfinance institutions. UNCDF invests in 38 of the least developed countries as of 2009. Through its programs, UNCDF strives to contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/news.shtml.

About CARE International:
CARE International (CARE) is a Switzerland-based global non-governmental organization with poverty reduction programs aimed at developing women’s economic capabilities. Founded in 1945 and originally established as a means to send supplies to post-war Europe from America, it has evolved into a large-scale humanitarian organization. As of June 30, 2009, CARE supported 800 poverty-fighting projects in 72 countries to reach a reported 59 million people. CARE reported total assets of USD 952 million as of June 30, 2009.

Sources and Additional Resources:
“Liberia: 100 Women Get Financial Empowerment Training” September 3, 2010. http://allafrica.com/stories/201009030400.html

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Ibdaa Microfinance Bank Launched in Syria as Part of Arab Gulf Program for United Nations Development (AGFUND)” August 27, 2010. https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-ibdaa-microfinance-bank-launched-in-syria-as-part-of-arab-gulf-program-for-united-nations-development-agfund/#more-6667

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “United Nations Development Programme Indicates 21% of Nigerian Adults Access Financial Services, Provides Support for Microfinance to Central Bank of Nigeria” August 25, 2010. https://www.microcapital.org/?PHPSESSID=7e6361873a9564d056d3a482e075c6a5&s=%22United+nation%22&x=0&y=0

MicroCapital Universe: United Nations Development Program: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=United+Nations+Development+Program+%28UNDP%29

MicroCapital Universe: United Nations Capital Development Fund: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=United+Nations+Capital+Development+Fund+%28UNCDF%29

MicroCapital Universe: CARE International: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=CARE+International

Launch of an Inclusive Financial Sector Program in Liberia: http://www.uncdf.org/english/countries/liberia/index.php

United Nations Millennium Development Goals: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/news.shtml

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

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