ACTS-Ministry believes that sustainable development cannot be realized in countries like Burkina Faso when women who make up 52% of the population do not have access to basic necessities of life nor education.
This is why ACTS is seeking to empower women in Burkina Faso.
This is done through the following:
Literacy
Through the Literacy program ACTS is offering to widows and vulnerable women a chance to learn how to read and write and get of ignorance is one important means towards self development and that of the country.
Saving for Change
Co-op program reaches more than 4,000 village women. Teaches them how to form co-ops, determine money-making projects and gives confidence to those who feel helpless. Functional literacy program gives women the ability to move towards income generating activities.
Training for Income Generating Activities
At the center, widows and other vulnerable women are trained after the first level of literacy training in Income Generating Activities such as local soap production, manufacture of shea butter, dying cloth and weaving, embroidery, and sewing.
Promote Hygiene and Wellness
More than 300 widows meet once a month at the ACTS Center for prayer and form discussion groups. They discuss immediate issues, receive lessons in basic hygiene and other immediate issues relating to village life. At various times of need, vitamins and food are distributed to the widows. HIV/AIDS testing is made available and encouraged.
Making Loans Accessible to Women
After the various training, ACTS offers loans to the dynamic women to develop their own activities. ACTS believes Microfinance was developed for women and also “Microfinance can be successfully implemented, despite the enormous obstacles that often exist ... bringing lasting changes in the lives of many very poor people.”
Promoting Human Rights
Abused individuals are more vulnerable to health risks as they turn to prostitution and hazardous jobs. As a Christians we believe we are well-positioned to teach respect for women and children and advocate justice and mercy. This breaks the cycle of AIDS and poverty in the lives of the most vulnerable people of society.
Women are given confidence to speak out against violence and abuses. They are told about laws in Burkina Faso that protect their rights.
ACTS provides a platform for women to discuss the evils of female genital mutation. ACTS is an advocate for the rights of women and meets with village leaders to discuss relevant issues.
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