CECI is an international cooperation organization with the mission of combating poverty and exclusion through sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Since 1958, CECI has helped improve the lives of over 30 million people across 40 countries.
Through its Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP), CECI mobilizes volunteers who help improve the living conditions of 2 million of the poorest, most vulnerable people—at least 1.5 million of whom are women and young women.
In partnership with the Government of Canada
The program’s approach rests on the realization that women must be considered as the main agents for sustainable change. The program focuses on four areas of expertise: strengthening women’s economic power, intersectionality, women’s rights and empowerment, and environmental and climate resilience.
VCP volunteers share their skills and their expertise, working in close cooperation with local partners in Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Rwanda, Bolivia, Haiti, Guatemala, and Nepal. They strive to strengthen the economic power of women and young women, as well as their communities’ resiliency to the impacts of climate change.
Gender equality, the empowerment of women, and a commitment to fight all forms of gender-based discrimination are the cornerstones of our approach to fair and sustainable development, and efficiently fighting against poverty and exclusion.
In Guatemala, (CECI) volunteers focus on women’s leadership—particularly that of Indigenous women—in projects to develop a green economy. Including women in all decision-making processes and supporting the creation of jobs for over 100,000 women living in the Lake Atitlán basin in Guatemala: CECI for gender equality.
In Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC—countries that have been profoundly affected by years of armed conflict—, (CECI) volunteers are mobilizing communities, civil societies, and the authorities to bring an end to sexual violence against women and girls. Protecting the physical and moral integrity of over 10,000 female victims of violence in Africa: CECI for gender equality.
In Nepal, (CECI) volunteers encourage ethnic women and women from marginalized castes to take part in the democratic process by focusing on the use of integrated technology accessible to everyone. Fostering the inclusion and participation of 30,000 women in local democratic decision-making processes: CECI for gender equality.
Guatemala
Anne-Marie Cadieux
Rwanda
Kim Nguyen
Nepal
Stanley Péan
Do you also wish to participate in building a world with more justice and equality, and without discrimination? Here are a few different ways for you to express your values.
Develop a sense of global citizenship by raising your awareness of issues relating to gender equality and learning how international solidarity can provide answers to strengthen women/young women’s rights and economic power and help promote environmental sustainability.
Subscribe to the newsletterLearn more about CECI’s activities around the world and take part in an event near you to meet actors of change who fight daily for a more equal world.
Attend an eventShare your knowledge and expertise by working closely with our partners in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Find the position that best suits your skills within the numerous volunteering opportunities available.
Become a VolunteerYour donations to CECI help build a world without poverty that is equalitarian and inclusive. They allow us to implement sustainable development projects centred around entrepreneurship, food security, education, health, governance and the fight against gender-based violence.
Make a DonationJoin a community of people committed to equality in the world.