Strpce, ADA, and UNDP open all-women social enterprise

Strpce, ADA, and UNDP open all-women social enterprise

The event was organized by the municipality of Shterpce/Strpce, Austrian Development Agency, and UNDP ceremonially opening the Social Enterprise "Nezavisno Udruženje Zena Sevce".

Present at this event were also H.E. Mag. Gernot Pfandler - Ambassador of Austria to Kosovo, Ms. Ulrika Richardson - UN Development Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Kosovo, and Deputy Mayor of Shterpce/Strpce Municipality, Mr. Ivica Tanasijevic.

Ambassador Pfandler on this occasion said: "Today's event is a proof of strong partnership with municipality and UNDP. We know statistics on unemployment and we know it targets women especially. Through INTERDEV we are working here since 2004 and for four and a half years we helped many vulnerable groups. Engagement of vulnerable communities, women and people who are at risk of being left behind in development processes is one of the priorities of the Austrian government and Austrian Development Agencies".

Established in 2016, the association of 40 women focuses on processing of different cultivated fruits as well as aromatic herbs and teas. Amongst other products, they also produce fruit juices, sweets, jam and honey. Through the grant and advisory support provided by the project, the association will expand its operational capacities and support job creation and income generation for the vulnerable women in the municipality, merging economic and social objectives.

Ulrika Richardson, the UN Development Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative praised the partnership in this project and explained that it has one particular objective: to create business opportunities and to create jobs and income. "When we empower women we empower society and their families. Empowered women means the society is flourish", concluded Ms. Richardson.

During the event, the association opened a processing line of seasonal fruits that will help them expand and modernize production, sell products and generate 40 job opportunities and much needed income for the community.

Deputy Mayor of Strpce, Mr. Ivica Tanasijevic said that Austrian investment is of historical importance for this particular municipality. This kind of projects proves that there is a room for progress and municipality of Strpce will not miss this opportunity: "This women from Sevce village will make thrill with their fruit products and will justify your trust", said Mr. Tanasijevic.

President of the Independent Association of Sevce women Zorica Vuksanovic praised this opportunity and it is a big step forward in their lives "Most of this women never worked before, so imagine how big impact this project will have in our daily life".

Under the 2017-2020 Territorial Employment Pact of the Shterpce/Strpce Municipality, responding to the potentials of the area for income generation and value-added production, the INTERDEV project has supported the Independent Association of Women in Sevc - "Nezavisno Udruzenje Zena Sevce" (NUZS), to become a social enterprise and expand its production.

Since 2014, the Austrian Development Cooperation-funded INTERDEV project has supported residents in the municipalities of Dragash/Dragas, Shterpce/Strpce as well as Viti/Vitina in its second phase to develop new skills, find jobs, increase agricultural production, and generate more financial income for local communities. Responding to the high unemployment rates and labour market barriers, the project actively promotes empowerment of women, youth, and people at risk of being left behind with opportunities for employment, development of skills, and rural entrepreneurship.