The European Union (EU) on Tuesday January 24, 2017 approved two grants of a total of Euro 847 981 to perform two gender-oriented projects in Suriname. The first is called the Gender Plus project, with the creation of a favorable and more women-friendly business environment. The other is the iGrow-project which focuses on prevention and tackling violence that has to do with gender.

EU Ambassador to Suriname, Jernej Videtic and Head for Cooperation, Christof Stock, Joined stakeholders, representatives from the Surinamese government, as well as financial and NGO partners for a launch event of the two projects at the Theater Unique in Suriname.

Ambassador Videtic remarked that, ''the European Union (EU) has a long-standing relationship and cooperation with non-governmental and other civil society organisations as well as with local and decentralised authorities in the field of development.''

The foundation Agency for Services to NGOs (BDN) is responsible for the implementation of the Gender Plus project. Director Sheila Ketwaru-Nurmohamed explained that BDN small entrepreneurs in the interior helps microfinance, improving the quality of their product, sales and marketing. The money for the implementation is intended to strengthen the Surinamese civil society in promoting the rights of women and girls. Furthermore, the aim is to enhance social and business skills.

The iGrow project aims to provide the reinforcement of vulnerable boys and girls by giving them a better chance of continuation and successful completion of their education. It is also aimed at creating a more supportive school environment through better cooperation between civil society organizations and schools for vocational education. It is performed by the Vvob, in collaboration with other social groups.