Outcome CAF_D_4.1

: By 2027, populations in CAR, including women, youth, refugees, returnees, IDPs and all other vulnerable groups, will have equitable and sustainable access to economic opportunities that promote the creation of decent jobs , entrepreneurship, innovation and digitization

As part of the empowerment and access to livelihoods for women and girls, especially the most vulnerable, UN Women has provided support for the creation and management of women’s income-generating groups, supporting 375 members of women’s groups with income-generating activity (IGA) kits, as well as training on the use of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) to sustain their livelihoods. A total of 15 women's groups, each consisting of 25 members, were identified and selected in different prefectures, including Lim-Pendé, Vakaga, and Haute-Kotto. These groups received capacity building in IGA management, entrepreneurship development, and business skills, with a focus on Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA). These 15 groups received the necessary kits for setting up IGAs, as well as a start-up capital according to the established and validated business plan. These kits enabled the groups to become operational in the market and sustain their livelihoods. To support the community socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants, UN Women contributed to identifying and selecting 1500 beneficiaries, including 543 women and 957 men. These beneficiaries include ex-combatants, at-risk youth, and community members. Of these, 197 beneficiaries in Ouaka received vocational training and are awaiting the delivery of IGA kits. The 165 beneficiaries in Basse Kotto (Mobaye), and 50 in Obo and 50 in Zémio are still undergoing three months of vocational training. A total of 688 beneficiaries participated in resocialization activities, including psychosocial support, and trauma healing. 86 active listening sessions were organized within listening, counseling, and psychotherapy centers by qualified personnel followed by platforms for dialogue and social cohesion to promote the prevention, management, and transformation of conflicts, with significant participation from women. At the level of economic empowerment, four multidimensional centers were prospected to support the economic empowerment of women and girls associated with armed groups. These centers will house approximately 600 beneficiaries for reintegration activities and value chain development. These initiatives aim to strengthen the technical, material, and financial capacities of ex-combatants and members of host communities, thus contributing to their socio-economic reintegration and peacebuilding. These efforts have strengthened the economic autonomy of women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, by providing them with the tools and skills necessary to generate income and sustain their livelihoods. They have also contributed to the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants and the promotion of social cohesion and peace in communities affected by conflict.

: By 2027, populations in CAR, including women, youth, refugees, returnees, IDPs and all other vulnerable groups, will have equitable and sustainable access to economic opportunities that promote the creation of decent jobs , entrepreneurship, innovation and digitization

Significant progress was made in this area during the year. For this reporting period, this activity was not carried out and remains ongoing. However, the country office has supported the implementation of a national strategy to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices. This strategy is currently being revised to take account of new trends in preventing and responding to violence against women. It is a program run by the Bureau d'appui au gouvernement centrafricain through the Ministry of Gender to promote gender equality in the country. Technical expertise is made available to the Ministry for this purpose.

: By 2027, populations in CAR, including women, youth, refugees, returnees, IDPs and all other vulnerable groups, will have equitable and sustainable access to economic opportunities that promote the creation of decent jobs , entrepreneurship, innovation and digitization

The United Nations system, with UN Women as a catalyst, supports the economic empowerment of women and youth through training programs, access to financing, support for cooperatives, and the integration of digital technologies. UN Women also contributes to the inclusion of vulnerable groups in economic systems and advocates for gender-responsive public policies. However, gaps remain: limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, low economic diversification, and persistent gender inequalities. Strengthening institutional capacities and transforming discriminatory social norms remain essential to ensure equitable participation. By addressing these challenges, the CAR can build a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy, offering sustainable opportunities to all its populations and reinforcing gender equality.