From household dialogue to collective leadership: how rural women are building their economic future in Kairouan

In Kairouan, a historic inland region of central Tunisia known for agriculture and rural communities, women show that economic empowerment goes beyond access to resources and income generating opportunities.

The women's agricultural development group (GDA) Jaweher Weslet offers a powerful example of how the Joint Programme on Rural Women's Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) uses the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) as a transformative approach to empower rural women and support sustainable livelihoods.

Through GALS, mentoring, and continuous follow-up support, the members of Jaweher Weslet embarked on a journey that went far beyond the establishment of a new economic activity. While the group successfully secured funding through JP RWEE's micro-grants scheme to acquire production equipment, the women quickly realized that achieving their goals required addressing both technical and social barriers.

Before launching their activities, many members faced challenges within their households. The absence of immediate income generated tensions related to the time invested in the GDA and the financial responsibilities that women continued to carry. Rather than viewing these issues as purely personal matters, the programme introduces GALS, creating a safe space for dialogue and collective problem-solving.

Using tools such as tools as the Basic Diamond and the Gender Balance Tree, women engaged in discussions within their families and within the organization to clarify expectations, strengthen communication, and promote a more balanced distribution of responsibilities. These conversations helped family members better understand the value of women's participation in collective economic initiatives and contributed to reducing tensions that could otherwise limit women's engagement and leadership.

At the organizational level, the Challenge Action Tree tool enabled members to openly discuss concerns related to delays in launching activities and to collectively identify solutions. Through this process, women strengthened their ability to analyze challenges, manage conflicts, and make decisions together, reinforcing trust and cohesion within the group.

Empowerment was also accompanied by capacity development. The facilitator supported members in acquiring technical skills necessary for the success of their enterprise, including training on hygiene standards, equipment operation, and food safety requirements. As an agronomist, she also provided guidance on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, enabling the group to meet food production requirements and engage with other development initiatives such as the Lomjati project. Additional peer-learning opportunities were facilitated through exchanges with the women-led SMSA Nissa Sabra, allowing members to strengthen their processing skills and expand their knowledge. 

As activities progressed, support continued beyond the start-up phase. The GDA was connected with the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Kairouan and integrated into specialized training on income calculation, pricing strategies, and marketing. These linkages helped strengthen the group's autonomy and ability to engage with wider economic opportunities.

Beyond the technical achievements, the most significant transformation has been the strengthening of women's agency. Through GALS, members gained greater confidence in their abilities, strengthened their participation in decision-making, and developed the skills needed to navigate challenges collectively. Women who initially faced resistance and uncertainty became active contributors to the governance and development of their organization.

The experience of Jaweher Weslet illustrates how empowerment approaches can contribute to transforming social norms by strengthening women's voice, leadership, and influence both at household and community levels. By supporting women to address barriers, negotiate change, and build collective solutions, GALS helps create the conditions for more equitable participation, stronger livelihoods, and more resilient rural communities.