In a ceremony held on October 8, 2026, at the Women's Empowerment Center in Diffa, Niger, ten women and young girls were honored for their innovative projects. The event was presided over by Mahamadou Attahirou Maidouka, Secretary General of the Diffa region. The ceremony was organized by the Network of NGOs and Feminine Organizations of the Lake Chad Basin (RESOF-BLT Niger) with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financial backing from Italian Cooperation.
The ten recipients, selected from the communes of Diffa and Gueskérou, were chosen from a pool of 205 applicants. After a rigorous evaluation process, 129 applications were deemed eligible, and the top ten projects were selected based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, economic impact, and sustainability. The projects focused on valorizing and transforming local agricultural products, aiming to promote economic empowerment, create income-generating activities, and enhance community resilience.
The Hackathon, which was part of the "Reinforcement of Local Communities' Resilience of Women and Girls to the Adverse Effects of Climate Change in Niger" (RCLF-UNISS) project, sought to identify and support innovative solutions driven by women and young girls. The project's goal is to contribute to the economic empowerment, creation of income-generating activities, and strengthening of community resilience. Mahamadou Attahirou Maidouka commended the initiative, stating that it aligns with efforts to strengthen the resilience of populations in the region.
In his address, Maidouka highlighted that the UNISS project provides a tailored response to the realities of territories facing challenges related to climate change, economic fragility, and crisis consequences, with a particular focus on women and young people. He congratulated the laureates and encouraged them to use this recognition as a catalyst to develop their initiatives, create jobs, and inspire others in the region.
Hadjia Aïchatou Mounkaïla, President of RESOF-BLT, emphasized that the ceremony was a moment of recognition and encouragement for the women and young girls who demonstrated ingenuity and determination. She recalled that the UNISS project aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities, particularly women and girls, in the face of climate change.
The awarded projects are expected to contribute to the economic empowerment of women and young girls in the Diffa region, as well as promote sustainable development. The UNDP and Italian Cooperation, in partnership with RESOF-BLT, are committed to supporting initiatives that foster resilience and inclusivity in the region.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of prizes and kits to the laureates, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to promote women's empowerment and sustainable development in the Diffa region of Niger.
Key points
- The ten laureates were selected from 205 applicants and will receive prizes and kits to support their innovative projects.
- The UNISS project aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities, particularly women and girls, in the face of climate change.
- The ceremony was organized by RESOF-BLT Niger with technical support from UNDP and financial backing from Italian Cooperation.
