Accelerating Women’s Empowerment
Our flagship program, funded by Global Affairs Canada, addresses the obstacles many women face. AWE helps to improve the economic and social well-being of the most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls. We work with public and private sector organizations by providing skill building and training, and mentorship and coaching.
Program Details
Where: Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Honduras, Kenya, Laos, Myanmar, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Vietnam
Duration: 2020-2028
Our work is guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
What We Do
We support our partners in 21 countries to deliver inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Our work prioritizes equal opportunities for women to build their livelihoods, support community economic development and improve their lives. From partnership development to monitoring and evaluation, gender equality is integrated throughout our program.
How We Work
We strengthen local institutions and their capacity to promote gender equality, supporting women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating opportunities for women to lead strong economic growth. We also work with local government, chambers of commerce, associations, cooperatives and microfinance institutions to contribute to local, regional and national development that ensures opportunities for all.
Our Focus Areas
By providing technical assistance, we act as catalysts for partners working in agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, agroforestry, and nutrition and health to reach their full potential. Our impact in these sectors grows deeper by empowering women to participate more fully in employment-rich value chains.
Impact Stories
Empower Women, Transform Futures
Our work has impacted the lives of thousands of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and individuals living with disabilities in rural and marginalized communities. With support from AWE, more women can access resources and training to thrive as entrepreneurs and participate in economic decision-making, and governments can develop gender-sensitive processes, policies, tools and practices—creating space for social change.
Volunteer with Catalyste+
By sharing your professional knowledge and expertise, you can make a positive difference in Canada and around the world. We’ve been successfully matching our volunteer Catalyste+ Advisors with clients and partners in over 120 countries since 1967. Our Advisors drive both economic and social change by strengthening the private sector and creating an environment for communities to thrive.
Catalyste+ gratefully acknowledges the financial contribution from Global Affairs Canada as part of its Volunteer Cooperation Program.