You are welcome to take part in the mentoring and networking programme for women in the organic sector, which is implemented with the support of Switzerland within the framework of the Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Organic Sector (WEOS) project, implemented by Information Center “Green Dossier” in partnership with Organic Initiative Public Association.
In early 2024, the Gender Study of the Organic Sector in Ukraine was conducted to study the role of women in the organic sector in Ukraine and the changes that are taking place, in particular, in connection with the full-scale war, to explore the challenges for the sector and possible ways to overcome them.
A common problem in wartime for the entire agricultural sector is the shortage of men and the corresponding shortage of technical specialists, which means that women are more likely to perform traditionally male tasks. All at the same time.
Women’s empowerment is important — it can help to promote healthy eating and sustainable diets, as women are responsible for the diets. Women’s empowerment can also help to promote transition to more sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming.
Already more than 30% of organic enterprises in Ukraine are owned or run by women. The aim of this project is to help women who run or work for organic companies, as well as women entrepreneurs, to overcome the problems and challenges they face and which have been exacerbated by the tragic circumstances of the war, to provide them with new knowledge and skills, and to help them improve and promote their businesses.
Through focus groups held with organic operators in November we identified the biggest challenges to the development of organic production in Ukraine. These will be the focus of the mentoring and networking programme.
What the project participants will receive:
- free participation in thematic webinars and joint meetings;
- group and individual consultations with experts;
- experience exchange with colleagues in the sector and possibility of friendly visits;
- communication in a closed WhatsApp group.
The programme will be implemented throughout 2025, and you can join it at any time by filling out an application form. Group and individual consultations with mentors/experts will be provided within the budget. The first consultations are scheduled to begin in late February, so the first deadline for mentoring applications is 20 January 2025.
We expect that the network that will be created within this project will continue to function after its completion becoming a common platform and source of inspiration for women in the organic sector.
All official information about the Grant program, regulations, application forms, and public information are published on the website of the International Charitable Organisation “Information Center “Green Dossier” at the link.