Business Expansion Initiative for Women’s Employment

Description

1) Objective

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support the Business Expansion Initiative for Women’s Employment. This initiative seeks to address the persistent gender gap in the Afghan workforce by empowering businesses to hire more women in sectors where they are permitted to work through strategic business expansion initiatives. The project aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and support to embrace gender-inclusive practices, thereby creating more job opportunities for women and fostering economic growth.

This initiative aims to support women in Afghanistan who face significant challenges and barriers to economic progress, including limited access to employment opportunities, capital, financial services, and education. It seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Empowerment through Business Expansion: Supporting women to start and expand their own businesses, join other women-led enterprises, or acquire the skills necessary to participate in women-led enterprises.
• Gender-Inclusive Practices: Promoting gender-inclusive policies and practices within businesses to improve access to employment opportunities and financial resources for women.
• Economic Growth: Contributing to economic growth by maintaining the visibility of women in the workforce and economy and recognizing women’s contributions to economic development.

2) Eligibility

Both non-profit and for profit organizations are eligible to apply.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Afghanistan.

4) Budget

The estimated total program funding for this initiative is $750,000, with an award ceiling of $750,000 and an award floor of $300,000. This funding allocation reflects the importance of the program in promoting women’s employment and economic empowerment in Afghanistan.

5) Application

Proposals must align with the objectives of the initiative and demonstrate a clear strategy for supporting women’s employment and economic growth in Afghanistan. Applications must be submitted by the closing date of June 21, 2024.