ILO launches FORTER'ESS project to promote decent work through women-led social and solidarity economy organizations in Tunisia
The FORTER’ESS project is the result of a partnership between Global Affairs Canada and the International Labour Organization (ILO) that works in collaboration with the Tunisian Government and social partners to strengthen the resilience of women-led Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs) affected by COVID-19.
A vital component of the socio-economic recovery post pandemic is the provision of support and assistance to SMEs to ensure their resilience and business continuity. This support should also be extended to the SSE organizations for the important role they play towards ensuring a fairer and more inclusive economy."
Ms Rania Bikhazi, Director of ILO Country Office for Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia
The majority of women's SSEOs are located in rural areas and consist mainly of agricultural, fisheries development groups (GDAPs), cooperatives, and solidarity enterprises, and agricultural services mutual societies (SMSAs). They are mostly active in agriculture, primary processing of agricultural products, aromatic and medicinal plants, alternative tourism and handicrafts.
Canada is proud to support the resilience of women-led Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations affected by COVID-19. Strengthening the social and solidarity economy is an efficient way to generate decent jobs, bring down barriers to women’s economic empowerment and foster women’s entrepreneurship in order to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in Tunisia."
Patrice Cousineau, Canadian Ambassador to Tunisia