Review and appraisal of international support
A review and appraisal of international support for rural women in the Near East region indicates that a large proportion of the efforts remain small-scale, localized, and isolated. Project follow-up and post-project evaluation do not appear to be basic components of project development and design.
The vast majority of international projects seek to improve the lives of women by: (a) targeting educational, health and family planning needs, and (b) providing training and inputs for women's traditional small-scale rural enterprises, such as weaving and animal husbandry. While these efforts are commendable, stronger support and more forward-looking approaches are needed to alleviate the excessive work burdens of rural women, increase the productivity of their labour, generate a more equal distribution of benefits, and improve the general standard of living. Annex VII provides a review and appraisal of international support as listed in the country papers.
