Qatar Charity Empowers Women Economically in Chad

Qatar Charity (QC) has brought about a tangible transformation for female vegetable vendors at the "Al-Afia Market" in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena. Through a strategic income-generating development project, 100 women have transitioned from precarious, informal labor to organized economic activity, securing sustainable livelihoods while enhancing market environment and food safety.

Implemented by Qatar Charity’s Chad Branch in partnership with the Municipality of N'Djamena, the project distributed 100 fully equipped metal stalls to 100 female heads of households. This initiative has directly improved the living conditions of approximately 700 family members by providing a stable means of production.

Beyond mere display units, these stalls serve as a launchpad for economic independence. Each vendor received an initial stock of assorted vegetables, allowing the beneficiaries to begin trading immediately without the need for start‑up capital. This support has helped ensure a regular income flow and improved household stability.

Alarming Indicators

This project addresses Chad’s complex socio-economic landscape, where recent World Bank data shows extreme poverty reached 36.5% after rising over two points in a year, and 44.8% of the population—approximately 9.5 million people—lives below the poverty line. It specifically empowers women, who are disproportionately vulnerable to income loss due to their heavy reliance on the informal economy.

Qualitative Leap

The project delivers a dual impact by combining economic empowerment with enhanced sanitation and food safety. It provides beneficiaries with organized, dignified vending spaces that stabilize incomes and improve daily operations. Additionally, three-tiered metal stalls protect vegetables and fruits from dust, insects, and exhaust, safeguarding product quality and the health of thousands of daily shoppers.

In this context, the Mayor of N'Djamena, Sanoussi Hassana Abdoulaye, praised the project, noting that it represents a qualitative leap in improving environmental sanitation within Al-Afia Market and effectively contributes to higher standards of public hygiene and food safety.

A Real Difference

During the handover ceremony, beneficiaries—including Fatima Ibrahim, Hawa Adam, and Amina Makki—expressed deep gratitude, noting that the project has stabilized their lives after years of hardship.

Mr. Abdoulhamid Mohamed, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Chad Branch, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to sustainable development, stating that empowering women through income-generating projects stimulates the local economy and strengthens social cohesion.