Initial situation
Colombia was dominated by armed conflict for more than 50 years. The 2016 peace agreement between the guerrilla organisation FARC and the Colombian government was a milestone in bringing peace to the country. Nevertheless, there are still parts of the country where the causes of the conflict persist - for example, unequal access to land, a lack of state presence and human rights violations. Over eight million Colombians have been forced to abandon their homes and possessions and have become displaced persons in their own country. Most of them live in slums on the outskirts of the big cities and have little access to state services. Only a few receive adequate psychosocial support to deal with their often traumatic experiences - such as murder, kidnapping, torture or rape. Internally displaced women and members of minorities such as Afro-Colombians, indigenous people or LGBTIQ+ people in particular face major obstacles to earning an income. Many work as street vendors or in informal jobs, or are unable to take up work as they have to provide care for their children. A lack of basic financial knowledge often leads to far-reaching consequences, such as indebtedness. They often lack the start-up capital to start a new career and set up a small business.
Goal
Women who have been forcibly displaced by the armed conflict and other affected groups can earn a secure income, overcome poverty and lead a self-determined life.
Approach
Services tailored to the needs of the target group, such as microcredits to set up businesses as well as vocational training and further education;
Training in basic financial literacy and improved childcare facilities enable people to take up employment. Additional funding enables more internally displaced people to take part in psychosocial group sessions.