WORKING ALONGSIDE WOMEN TO PAVE THE WAY TO EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Nearly one in three young women aged 15 to 24 worldwide is neither in employment, education, nor training – a rate twice as high as that of young men (ILO).
Yet, at the IECD, women account for nearly half of all vocational training students and 63% of supported entrepreneurs.
The will is there. But obstacles remain: limited access to training, barriers to entry caused by stereotypes, and glass ceilings that hinder entrepreneurship.
Behind these figures lie stories of struggle and a shared conviction: supporting women means giving them the keys to strengthen their agency and move society forward as a whole.
The IECD makes the integration of women a key focus of its work. It continuously tests, adjusts, and improves its solutions to provide women with long-term support on the path to independence.
Training more women: a winning commitment
The IECD is dedicated to expanding horizons by helping young women discover promising professions and access local economic opportunities.
In Central Africa, 12 vocational training centres have been strengthened to better welcome young women: more than 1,000 female trainees have been supported in their training paths, directly contributing to the increase in female enrolment in vocational courses.
Convincing families, building self-confidence, and guaranteeing equal access to training: these are key levers to reducing inequalities.
Thinking of learning spaces as drivers of inclusion and success
Creating training environments free from stereotypes is essential for success. To this end, IECD has developed an online training programme for education professionals: 315 trainers have been trained in inclusive pedagogy, through a participatory, practice-based approach designed to support the fulfilment of every young person – both girls and boys.
Removing barriers to women’s employment and entrepreneurship
Professional integration and entrepreneurship often depend on simple but decisive factors: a work placement or apprenticeship, self-confidence, access to a support network…
That is why IECD and its partners are multiplying initiatives: women’s career days, employability training, mentoring, the Women Entrepreneurs’ Club, and more.
In Morocco, particularly in the region affected by the 2023 earthquake, 140 women are building their future thanks to tailored entrepreneurial support.
This includes:
support for early childhood education,
awareness-raising with families and husbands,
networking opportunities,
material and financial assistance to restart businesses.
Supporting women is not just a matter of fairness. It is a powerful driver of social and economic transformation for communities.
