By: Kindi Betolngar, Regional IGA Coordinator, Chad
Gender inequalities between men and women are often manifested in the opportunities available to them, where what is accessible to a man may not always be accessible to a woman. This can be due to imposed gender roles, physical or financial limitations, or perceptions of women’s increased vulnerability. For example, women emigrate much less than men, either because they are not allowed to, or because they are seen as more vulnerable to risks, particularly regarding climate change and conflicts affecting their communities. Even when they stay in their villages, they face socio-cultural and economic obstacles. Sometimes, the men who emigrate fail to send money back to their families, exposing women to chronic vulnerability.
In village councils, male dominance is evident. A woman member of a Local Action Committee (LAC) explained that she obtained her place only due to a quota imposed by an international organization to ensure women’s representation. However, she pointed out that once in the committee, women have little power and are often prevented from speaking: “The men prevent us from speaking.”
Women and girls in rural areas are often underrepresented in decision-making bodies and consultative processes. The weight of traditions and gender roles limits their involvement in decision-making, the development of income-generating activities (IGAs), conflict management, and access to natural resources. The lack of production means and employment opportunities has fostered a sense of being “left behind” among many women and girls, which can lead to discouragement.
Due to their central role in the family and community, they are the ones who must face challenges during times of conflict, food crises, or disasters. Often alone with their children, they take on this responsibility when the head of the household is absent or has fled violence. By staying in their villages, women have learned to be strong with the meager resources available to them. They become true agents of change by influencing their immediate surroundings (husbands, fathers, brothers, sons) and play a crucial role in the development of value chains and IGAs. They also strengthen social cohesion by establishing various IGAs and organizing savings groups (tontines) to meet their families’ needs.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for women to share their daily efforts. Many organizations today fight for the cause of women and girls through projects aimed at promoting their rights and empowerment. This is the case for Alinea International through the implementation of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, which uses approaches that contribute to promoting gender equality and providing microgrants for women’s empowerment. However, there is still much work to be done to reduce violence against women and provide them with the means necessary for their empowerment, which aligns with this year’s theme: “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”