Initiated in 1987, "Synergy Gender and Development" (Synfev), of Enda Third World, conducts activities in an effort to benefit women by promoting gender equality, peace, and sustainable development. The programme aims to help Francophone African women escape poverty, victimisation, and marginilisation by improving their capacities with regard to ICTs. An underlying commitment is to enable these women to retain their personal and cultural identities in the face of globalisation.