Module Design and Training of Trainers to train 4000 women to set up microenterprise and receive grant; train 20 women Chambers of Commerce or Women Business Associations

Mera Maan partnered with UNDP Afghanistan to design and implement two modules, LOT-I and LOT-II, aimed at empowering Afghan women entrepreneurs and strengthening women-led business associations in the western region of Afghanistan. Under LOT-I, an eight-week Microenterprise Training was developed and delivered in Dari for non-literate/semi-literate Afghan women, training 4,000 individuals on essential business management and entrepreneurship skills. The primary focus was to enhance their business acumen and life skills, transforming them into successful entrepreneurs. In addition to the training, Mera Maan assisted the top 3,100 trainees in preparing business plans and grant proposals to access funding. Under LOT-II, a five-day training program was designed to build the capacity of selected members of existing and new women business associations. The objective was to empower these associations to support and guide women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, enabling them to mobilize resources and develop viable grant proposals for their growth and success.

Narrative of the Project Description:

Background:

UNDP Afghanistan sought to empower Afghan women and strengthen women-led business associations to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth in the country. Mera Maan collaborated with UNDP to design two comprehensive training modules, LOT-I and LOT-II, addressing the specific needs of women entrepreneurs and business associations in Afghanistan’s western region.

Objectives:

– Empower 4,000 Afghan women with business management and entrepreneurship skills through the LOT-I Microenterprise Training program.
– Assist 3,100 trainees in developing business plans and grant proposals to access funding for their businesses.
– Establish and strengthen women-led business associations in the western region of Afghanistan through the LOT-II Training Program.
– Equip members of existing and new women business associations with skills to run and grow successful associations.
– Enable women business associations to mobilize resources and develop viable grant proposals to support women entrepreneurship development.

Project Impact:

The collaboration between Mera Maan and UNDP Afghanistan resulted in significant positive impacts on Afghan women entrepreneurs and business associations. Through the LOT-I training, 4,000 women gained essential business skills, fostering entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency. The training’s focus on life skills also empowered these women to become successful individuals. Additionally, 3,100 trainees were supported in preparing business plans and grant proposals, facilitating access to funding for their ventures. Under LOT-II, women-led business associations were strengthened and established, emerging as dynamic change agents in encouraging and supporting women entrepreneurship in Afghanistan. The capacity-building training empowered association members to mobilize resources and develop viable grant proposals, further promoting women’s economic empowerment and growth in the region.