Peacebuilding and face masks in Mauritania
The WHO and the Mauritanian Government recommend the use of face masks to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, there is limited availability in the country and low levels of use in the South.
Concordis currently works with women-led cooperatives to make face masks, thereby simultaneously increasing Mauritanian capacity to produce health equipment, enabling local micro-enterprises to survive and thrive through the pandemic and build social cohesion between Returnee and Haratine communities through this shared income-generating activity.
How do we do it?
We purchased treadle-powered sewing machines for pre-identified women’s cooperatives and trained the members in their use and maintenance.
We supplied the fabric and other materials required to make face masks. They will then sell facemasks at low cost, increasing the availability of this health care product whilst also generating an income for the members. This can be used to purchase more fabric needed to generate a sustainable income.
We delivered training to communities on measures to prevent the spread of COVID, including the use of masks, hand-washing and social distancing. This will be done in the context of ongoing peacebuilding work, working with trusted local community mediators.
What will this achieve?
The masks produced will improve resilience to the spread of COVID-19.
The diversification of income and skills will create resilient livelihoods since the money earned can be used to increase resilience to shocks if crops fail and to invest in agricultural techniques that increase yield and therefore food security.
Economic activity with shared benefits for both communities will increase resilience to conflict, as it creates an economic incentive to collaborate to mutual benefit.
Investing in the livelihoods and skills of women improves their financial independence and autonomy of decision making.
