by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE World Bank and Congo have introduced digital payments, via mobile money, to enhance transparency and security in distribution of financial aid to refugee women.
The bank and the national government have partnered for the digital exercise under the Lisungi project that provides conditional cash transfers, training and small business grants, enabling them to start agricultural cooperatives and transform their lives.
Since its launch in 2014, Lisungi (meaning ‘help’ or ‘support’) has benefited 76 000 individuals with cash transfers and 95 000 individuals with business grants and the digitalisation of payments is set to eliminate hurdles around distribution.
“In addition, the project has introduced digital payments via mobile money, reducing risks of corruption and ensuring transparency and security,” a spokesperson of the World Bank stated.
According to the bank, in a document made available to the media , historically, many women – especially refugee women – have faced significant barriers to land ownership and access to credit.
The Lisungi project is hailed for tackling these deep-rooted inequalities by paying cash grants directly to women and providing training to women and men.
The World Bank believes the project has further promoted gender equality through community events, awareness campaigns, and training sessions on gender-based violence.
With US$34 million in funding, the project has combined conditional cash transfers with business grants, education, and apprenticeships.
Congo, the Central African country of 6 million people, hosts refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
– CAJ News