Vocational Training for 5,000 Women in Pakistan

In a country where only 1% women are engaged in entrepreneurship, our Pakistani Parnter, Moqah Foundation, is working to equip women to become entrepreneurs in their communities through a joint initiative with Alternativ's Global Entrepreneurs  by providing enterprise development trainings.  Alternativ's curriculum was adapted to Urdu and trained program leaders who developed a thorough understanding of the model through Train –the- Trainers course, conducted entrepreneurship training sessions in order to enlighten and empower the women to achieve autonomy, education and opportunity and decrease extreme poverty among the participants

So far, the program has seen two groups and 50 women trained and graduated with a certificate of achievement after 40 hours of training with a further three trainings to follow. The participants learned financial skills in money management. Words can't describe how inspiring and beautiful it was to see results of the follow-up of the trainees. In less than two months, 6 trainees have launched their businesses!

 Over the two years, we will target two poverty stricken communities in the regions of Bhara Kahu located near Islamabad Capital territory and in Kot Malik,  Sheikhpura a rural area situated on the outskirts of Lahore. We are also planning to expand to more communities outside of Islamabad, where women are especially vulnerable to forced in to forced early marriages, and face other cultural and security barriers face other cultural and security barriers.

As we are working to sustain and empower Moqah Foundation over the long term,  so please continue to support this project directly on Moqah Foundation's GlobalGiving Page!

Links:

• Moqah Foundation Global Giving Page

Enterprise Development Trainings

We are currently into training two of five using the Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs training curriculum. Our project goal is to improve women’s economic empowerment in 2 communities in Pakistan and promote change of sociopolitical norms for greater gender equality and women’s rights.  Our objectives are to improve economic stability and resiliency of families month-to-month and in crisis; To increase the number of female role models and networks available to women in these regions; To increase girls’ participation in upper education and reduce early forced marriages; and To decrease extreme poverty among participants. 

Alternativ’s curriculum model is based on two main beliefs: all people deserve to thrive economically, and all people have the ability to direct their destiny with the proper tools. The curriculum, which consists of 16 sessions and is conducted over the course of 30-40 hours, is comprised of content and interactive activities meant to touch on the most essential skills necessary to start or improve a small business.  

Since the October launch of the Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs training program, 50 community members have been equipped to accomplish their goals, preparing them to become entrepreneurs in their community.

Rukhsana: I never realized my worth but this 5-day training has changed my life. I discovered that my cooking talent turned out to be my strength. I am selling samosas in my neighborhood and getting orders as well. Now I am a proud entrepreneur!

Thank you for the continued support of this incredible program!

Links:

• https://www.alternativproject.org/
• Our incredible partner in Pakistan Moqah Foundation!