During its field trip to Deir Ahmar on February 18, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) met members of women-run cooperatives and associations participating in ‘Raedat El Reef’ project managed by FAO and generously funded by the Government of Canada. According to a FAO statement, this is first of its kind tour within the above project which is anticipated to resume its activities with women cooperatives across Lebanon during this year. The above project, the FAO statement said, provides a social and cultural environment to promote women economically and increase prospects for coops run by them. It promotes their contribution to the local economy cycle through the setting up and the development of income generating enterprises in the agri-food sector. The statement also mentioned that around 250 similar coops and associations shall benefit from the project aimed to educate communities about the roles and rights of women through gender equality awareness campaigns, and the prevention against gender-based violence. In addition, beneficiaries will get training on topics related to the management of cooperatives. (NNA, February 19, 2020)