For many people living in Eastern European countries, the transition to a market-based economy has been more challenging than anticipated. In Slovakia, these changes have impacted most on women, with many now living below the poverty line.
In May 2001 the Shell Foundation, through its worldwide Sustainable Communities Programme, approved a grant of $330,000 to the Integra Foundation, a not-for-profit group providing support to poor women in Slovakia and Romania.
The project’s aim is to enable women at risk to establish viable, income-generating, small businesses. Women receive assistance to prepare business plans, and secure start-up loans of up to $2,000. Since the project started in Slovakia, 42 new businesses have been created, employing over 400 people.
Working in partnership with not-for-profit organisations, the Shell Foundation has learned how it can successfully support women’s groups to set up new enterprises. By drawing on the skills and retail networks of Shell Slovakia, the project also shows how Shell businesses can support local partners in ways other than just through direct grant funding. The photograph shows candles made by Viera Mokova being sold in a retail station. Funding for this venture was provided by the Integra Foundation through support from the Shell Foundation.