WIDTECH"s small grants initiative : small investments bring large returns

The initiative complemented WIDTECH"s ongoing TA and training efforts, and supported the broader objectives of fostering independent activities that address gender issues. Under the initiative, WIDTECH awarded 26 grants in 20 countries, with an average amount per grant of $20,000 over 6 months. The organizations that received grants fell into three general areas: promotion of women"s economic opportunities; promotion of women"s legal and political rights; and integration of gender in conservation efforts. Although the grants described in this bulletin represent only a small sampling of the total awarded, they illustrate the impact that a relatively small investment can have in raising awareness of gender inequities in developing countries and in affording local groups the opportunity to address them.