Capacity-building trainings on financial inclusion and Fintech

UNDP is currently implementing the “Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqaba’s Coastal Ecosystem” (EmBRACE) Project, in partnership with ASEZA. The primary objective of the project is to bolster the resilience of the unique coastal and marine ecosystems within the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba against the increasing threats posed by human activities and climate change.

Through this project, interventions are undertaken to promote a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue roles in ecosystem conservation. The project encourages the development of alternative livelihood opportunities for women and youth that are linked to coral reef preservation. For example, promoting womens involvement in sustainable eco-tourism, handicraft production using sustainable materials, or marine education initiatives can create economic opportunities while contributing to conservation goals. The project also supports women and youth-led enterprises to establish initiatives that specifically support and promote women-led businesses and organizations involved in coral reef preservation. This includes funding opportunities, technical assistance, and access to markets for their sustainable products and services.

EmBRACE project interventions include training and capacity-building programs for women-led businesses, CBOs, and NGOs to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in conservation activities and their value chain. Some of these trainings will focus on increasing women’s access to financial services, which represents an opportunity to enhance their participation in formal employment and successful entrepreneurship.

Jordan’s financial ecosystem is witnessing a rapid growth of digital services, which can enhance women’s empowerment by allowing for tailored services and extended privacy and control over their finances. The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, led by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), acknowledges the current low level of women’s access to financial services and includes objectives to increase account ownership for the whole population, to close the gender gap in account holding, and to increase the use of financial services such as loans, saving, digital payment, and insurance.

The purpose of this RFP is to conduct a capacity-building training for women entrepreneurs in the Gulf of Aqaba area to improve women’s access to financial and fintech services and products. The training will enhance women’s digital skills, and improve financial inclusion, including women of different age groups, women heads of households, and women with disabilities. The supplier will provide a tailored training program to address the specific needs and challenges faced by these women, empowering them to achieve greater financial independence and success in their economic activities related to Aqaba’s Coastal Ecosystem.