Mechanisms to promote the advancement of women
National Machinery. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Women (MINASCOF) works with women at the village level through women extensionists who promote the organization of women in the areas of food security, family health and education, income-generating activities, and savings and credit.
WID Units or Focal Points in Technical Ministries. A women's unit in the Department of Community Development in the Ministry of Agriculture (MlNAGRI) promotes the organization of women in cooperatives and farmers associations. To meet the needs of rural women, the unit would need more than its current 3.6% share of the budget of the Ministry.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Following legislation of 1990 and 1992 that facilitated the formation of NGOs, a large number of women's groups have been formed, including 1,000 organized by the Development Cooperation Department and almost 2,000 by the Ministry of Social and Women's Affairs. A large number of other NGOs have also been established.
