Democratic Republic of Congo
WORTH groups and Pact's local implementing partners in the DRC focus on creating sustainable community driven initiatives that help address the social and economic needs of women and vulnerable groups. In particular, WORTH groups are providing alternative livelihood options to former female artesian miners through savings and micro-enterprise skills.
Name: Anvil Social Development Program
Duration: January 2000 - May 2011 (November 2008)
Donor(s): Anvil Mining Company
Due to the financial crisis, Anvil Mining closed November 17, 2008 and ended its support of WORTH. However the WORTH groups supported by Anvil remain active.
Building on success of the longest running WORTH programs in Africa, Pact partnered with the Anvil Mining Company, a leading copper producer, on a WORTH program in the DRC. As an integral component of the Anvil Social Development Program, WORTH contributed to program's objectives of:
- Mobilizing communities to create participatory development committees, planning processes, and effective channels of communication
- Increasing food security and household income in targeted communities
- Establishing and building the capacity of local NGOs and other community based organizations
Results:
- Despite the withdrawal of Anvil support, the women do not want to leave their groups, and continue to meet, improve their literacy skills, and save as of January 2009
- Over 2,070 women are being reached in 60 groups
- As of November 2008, the women had saved $17,063
- Many group members have already begun creating or expanding micro-enterprises ranging from provision of services to agriculture
- Local partners have carried out a variety of trainings to support women's income generating initiatives and group activities
