Randstad Kilimanjaro Challenge for VSO

In February 2025, an international team of 20 Randstad colleagues will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to support the “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy Sector” project, funded by VSO and Randstad. This project aims to help young women actively participate in the blue economy by overcoming significant barriers such as gender discrimination, lack of specialized and financial assistance, limited representation in decision-making, environmental degradation, the impact of unpaid care, and limited time availability.

Your donation will be invested in enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of 100 young, marginalized women (aged 18-35) through decent jobs. Your contribution will help us establish and strengthen collaboration with private sector companies for skills training, certification by local government and educational institutions, and establishing cooperatives where women can unite, exchange, and market their products. We also seek to improve childcare services that will free young women to work in the blue economy and generate a increased income.

With your investment, we expect to achieve the following results by December 2025:

• Reach 100 women, with 70% reporting an increase in income, business expansion, and improved capacity to manage marine resources, contributing to their economic independence and the health of the blue economy.
• Provide childcare assistance to 100 women in the fisheries sector, evidenced by 50% utilization of the childcare service and a 40% increase in reported satisfaction with service accessibility.
• At least 70% of 1000 targeted women will report increased knowledge about their rights and will exercise those rights to improve working conditions and performance in the fisheries sector.
• At least 70% of 100 women will be actively engaged in community forums in the blue economy, demonstrating behavioral change and new business practices as measured by pre- and post-program surveys.

To achieve our ambitions, we aim to provide training, financial services, market access, quality assurance, and foster partnerships with service providers to ensure sustainable development and gender equality in the blue economy sector. Your support is invaluable in transforming this sector and empowering women to earn a better income, improve their livelihoods, and drive sustainable development in Tanzania.