Promoting women’s financial autonomy to strengthen their independence

 In the Tchologo region, in northern Côte d’Ivoire, agriculture remains the main source of income and women are most often in charge of farming activities. However, before the launch of the ACT-Femmes project by Action Against Hunger, the women mainly grew maize, which was harvested during the two summer months. The rest of the year was spent on other domestic tasks that did not generate any income for the family. For the past three years now, these women, organised into a farming group, have been growing vegetables all year round, producing mainly rice, okra and onions, which are then sold at the market.  

In the village of Tchinlovogo, Coulibaly Drissa, the village chief, explains how this project has changed the dynamics among the villagers. “Today, thanks to the establishment of this group, the women are actively involved in village life and can help the men on an equal footing. We sit down together, we discuss things and we involve the women in decisions concerning the village. Thanks to their agricultural income, the women have funded the construction of the school, the renovation of the mill and the purchase of a tricycle. Before ACF arrived in our village, I would never have imagined that women could support us so much, but they managed to convince us and our attitudes have also changed, in favour of women.” 

Action Against Hunger has supported 35 women’s farming groups like the one in this village and provided in-kind support (seeds) and working capital for investment in income-generating activities. The teams have also supported the development of community and associati , provided technical support in simplified accounting, and assisted with the development and monitoring of their business plans.  

In Tchinlovogo, sixty women are part of this group, and Soro Mariam is its chairwoman. “As the group’s leader, I have gained a lot of experience and received training. Now, I am better able to understand and manage the challenges of daily life. I am also very proud to have contributed financially to the restoration of our mill. Before, with the other women, funerals were almost the only time we got together, whereas today we see each other every day to discuss the harvests, the profits made and how to distribute them. Generally, a portion is set aside for the village, and each woman receives a share that she can use as she wishes. For my part, this has enabled me to pay for my children’s schooling.” 

Once the women have been able to generate a regular income, they can then save and entrust their money to a Village Savings and Credit Association (VSLA). In practice, members meet once a week. Each woman can save an amount decided collectively, taking into account the financial circumstances of the most vulnerable member. The amount per share can vary between 200 CFA francs, 500 CFA francs and 1,000 CFA francs, depending on the group’s choice. Each member can save up to a maximum of five shares per meeting, amounting to between 2,500 CFA francs and 5,000 CFA francs, depending on the value of the share. For this cycle, the Tchinlovogo group has chosen 1,000 CFA francs per share, in line with its members’ means. Saving is optional, but a compulsory solidarity contribution of 100 CFA francs is required and is intended for mutual support in the event of happy or unfortunate events, in accordance with the group’s internal regulations.

Otherwise, VSLA activities operate in ‘cycles’ lasting 9 or 12 months, at the end of which the accumulated savings and profits from loans are distributed among members in proportion to the amount they have saved. 

Literacy classes are also offered. Serge Kouassi is a teacher in Tchinlovogo. “I’ve been working in this village since October 2025 and this is the first time I’ve worked with adults. Although I had some reservations when I arrived, I’ve realised that I’m dealing with people who are truly determined – people who didn’t have the chance to go to school but who have specific needs, such as reading and counting, to carry out their daily activities. I’m helping them to become self-reliant, and these classes are so successful that the men want to attend them too.”  

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The ACT-Femmes project, funded by the Government of Canada, aims to empower women and teenage girls and help them become more independent by improving their access to healthcare services, safeguarding their rights and encouraging their involvement in family and community decision-making. Financial independence is one of the key drivers for achieving this.  

55 VSLA groups – 33 of which were set up with direct support from Action Against Hunger and 22 of which were spontaneously initiated by the communities – are supported and monitored as part of this project. Nearly 1,650 women and adolescent girls and 90 men have  helped to mobilise community savings of 134 million CFA francs (equivalent to approximately €204,000), with 1,515 loans  granted worth 83 million CFA francs (equivalent to £126,000). The organisation of community awareness-raising sessions has reached over 90,000 people.