International Development Grant

Gender Transformative Ecosystem Approach to Women’s Economic Empowerment

Project Number: CA-3-P009719001

Status: Operational

Country/Region:

Bolivia 100.00%

Maximum Contribution: $3,700,000.00

Start Date: January 21, 2022

End Date: December 31, 2025

Duration: 3.9 years

Project Description

This project supports women entrepreneurs through a virtual office of business services adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The sustainability of specific actions supports the transformation of gender relations in the business ecosystem to make it more inclusive and respectful of the specific needs of women. The project aims to maintain or improve 15 000 jobs and increase the productivity of women-led businesses thereby reducing poverty. Project activities include: (1) improving the economic and managerial performance of women-led micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cochabamba La Paz and Santa Cruz the living and working conditions of their employees; and (2) providing inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem sensitive to gender and the needs and interests of women-led MSMEs in Cochabamba La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Expected Results

The expected results of this project include: (1) increased economic and management results of MSMEs led by women in Cochabamba La Paz and Santa Cruz; and (2) strengthened business ecosystem in the inclusion of gender more receptive to the needs and interests of MSMEs led by women in Cochabamba La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of March 2025 include: (1) enabled 52.5% of women-led micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that completed the advisory process to increase their income; (2) 99.15% of women-led MSMEs recorded at least 1 improvement in management or administration; (3) 71.19% of businesswomen made positive changes in the management of their business; and (4) 95% of women leaders of MSMEs reported an increase in their leadership and level of influence in the ecosystem.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
CECI - Centre for International Studies and Cooperation

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
NGM Americas

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Women's rights organisations and movements and government institutions 40%
Ending violence against women and girls 5%
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development 55%

Aid Type: Project-type interventions

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Unsolicited Proposal

Policy Markers
Level 2 Gender equality
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Level 1 Indigenous Issues
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2021-04-01 to 2022-03-31 $3,700,000 CAD
Geographic Information
000";Budget Type:Original;Start Date:2022-04-01;End Date:2023-03-31;Value Date:2022-01-21;Value:"$1
Project Number: CA-3-P009719001