Inspired by Pulitzer Center Reporting, Businesswomen in Chad Continue Push for Support

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The Pulitzer Center-supported story "In Pictures: Making a Living on the World's Largest Desert Lake," written by grantee Kang-Chun Cheng as part of the Center's Our Work/Environment initiative, inspired the Chad chapter of the African Women's Entrepreneurial Network (REFA International-Chad) to advocate on behalf of women affected by the floods in the 9th arrondissement (district) of N'Djamena, the capital city of Chad. The effort aims to improve women's living conditions and quality of life by setting up a fund to support women's business initiatives.

This campaign was able to reach the Ministry of Women, a couple of members of parliament, and NGOs when REFA International-Chad took part in the 1st Women's Fair during National Women's Week on March 1-8, 2025, in N'Djamena.

In January, REFA benefited from the support of the Pulitzer Center to carry out an activity to raise awareness among female entrepreneurs in the 9th arrondissement about the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.

REFA had previously commissioned a study to identify entrepreneurial initiatives by women affected by the disaster. A consultant produced a report identifying 10 initiatives of those impacted by the floods. 

"It is thanks to the consultant's report that we are approaching NGOs and institutions, hoping for help for these women. We want to help them fulfil their potential in their activities and lives, and put a smile back on the face of every family," explains Sylvie Solal, president of REFA International-Chad.

During the awareness workshop, the women adopted an advocacy document in favor of economic empowerment of female entrepreneurs affected by the disaster in the 9th arrondissement. 

"Through this flourishing exchange workshop, we were able to draw up an advocacy brief that enabled us to look for partners and want to go to the next level, in particular how to grant low-cost loans to these women to make their activities sustainable, be autonomous, and have a better condition and quality of life," Solal says.

Also, REFA International-Chad shared with the Pulitzer Center that it had seized the opportunity to plead the cause of these women, asking authorities for help to provide a fund for female entrepreneurs.

In addition, REFA International-Chad is still negotiating an appointment with the Ministry of Women with the aim of deploying a team to make an on-the-ground assessment.

"REFA International-Chad is very grateful for the funding from the Pulitzer Center, which has really enabled us to identify these women entrepreneurs, especially those in the 9th arrondissement who are victims of flooding due to climate change," Solal says.