Voice and Choice: Empowering Youth and Women

Project Report: Voice and Choice: Empowering Youth and Women (70446)

No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Registration No: 7509

Our Ref No: NODRO/Global/June/2026/L.No.11

Date: June 9, 2026

Dear GlobalGiving Community,

Warm greetings from No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO).

We are pleased to share our latest progress report for the project "Voice and Choice: Empowering Youth and Women." This initiative is designed to empower women and youth through leadership development, life skills training, economic empowerment, advocacy, and community engagement.

During this reporting period, the project continued to strengthen the capacity of women and young people to participate in decision-making processes, improve their livelihoods, and become active contributors to their communities.

Project Overview

The Voice and Choice: Empowering Youth and Women project seeks to promote the social, economic, and civic empowerment of women and youth by creating opportunities for skills development, leadership, and community participation.

The project focuses on:

• Leadership and life skills development

• Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship support

• Advocacy for gender equality and youth participation

• Capacity building and mentorship programs

• Community awareness and engagement initiatives

Key Challenges Addressed

• Youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities

• Gender inequality and discrimination

• Limited participation of women and youth in decision-making

• Lack of access to skills development opportunities

• Social and economic vulnerability

Key Achievements (March 2026 – May 2026)

During this reporting period, the project achieved the following:

• 180 women and youth enrolled in empowerment and leadership programs

• 135 participants completed life skills and leadership training

• 90 beneficiaries received entrepreneurship and business development support

• 110 youth and women participated in mentorship and coaching sessions

• Conducted 12 community awareness and advocacy events

• Reached more than 2,500 community members through awareness campaigns

• Supported 15 youth and women-led community initiatives

Early Impact & Beneficiary Stories

Building Confidence and Leadership

Hana, a young participant in the program, shared:

"Before joining this program, I lacked confidence to express my ideas. Through the training and mentorship I received, I have developed leadership skills and now actively participate in community discussions and initiatives."

Observed Changes

• Increased confidence and leadership skills among participants

• Improved participation of women and youth in community activities

• Enhanced employability and entrepreneurship skills

• Greater awareness of rights and opportunities

• Stronger community engagement and collaboration

Community Participation

Community involvement has remained essential to the project's success:

• Local leaders supported awareness and advocacy activities

• Community members participated in dialogue sessions

• Families encouraged the participation of women and youth

• Mentors and volunteers provided guidance and support

This collaborative approach strengthens ownership and sustainability of project outcomes.

Challenges Encountered

Despite encouraging progress, several challenges remain:

• Limited financial resources for expanding program coverage

• High demand for entrepreneurship support and startup capital

• Persistent gender stereotypes in some communities

• Economic challenges affecting youth employment opportunities

Response Measures

To address these challenges, NODRO has:

• Strengthened mentorship and coaching services

• Expanded partnerships with local stakeholders

• Increased community awareness activities

• Enhanced follow-up support for beneficiaries

• Explored additional resource mobilization opportunities

Monitoring & Accountability

NODRO continues to maintain strong monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure transparency and impact:

• Regular beneficiary follow-up visits

• Training attendance and completion tracking

• Assessment of entrepreneurship and livelihood outcomes

• Community feedback mechanisms

• Periodic project performance reviews

Current Key Performance Indicators

• 180 women and youth enrolled in project activities

• 135 completed leadership and life skills training

• 90 received entrepreneurship support

• 110 participated in mentorship programs

• 2,500+ community members reached through awareness campaigns

• 12 community engagement events conducted

• 15 youth and women-led initiatives supported

What's Next? (June – September 2026)

In the coming months, NODRO plans to:

• Expand leadership and life skills training programs

• Increase entrepreneurship and livelihood support

• Strengthen mentorship opportunities for young leaders

• Scale up community awareness and advocacy campaigns

• Enhance partnerships with government institutions and civil society organizations

Long-Term Vision

Our long-term vision is to create empowered communities where women and youth have the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own futures.

We aim to:

• Promote gender equality and inclusion

• Increase youth participation in decision-making

• Strengthen economic independence

• Build resilient and empowered communities

• Foster sustainable social change

Why Your Support Matters

Your support enables women and youth to unlock their potential and become agents of positive change.

Impact of Your Donation

• $50 supports leadership and life skills training materials

• $100 provides mentorship and coaching opportunities

• $500 supports entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives

• $5,000 helps expand empowerment programs to additional communities

Closing Appreciation

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to GlobalGiving and our generous supporters for your continued partnership and commitment.

Your support is helping women and youth gain confidence, develop skills, access opportunities, and become leaders in their communities.

Together, we are building a future where every young person and every woman has a voice, a choice, and the opportunity to thrive.

With sincere appreciation,

Mrs. Woderyelesh Ashebir Belay

Executive Director

No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Email: nodeethiopia.org@gmail.com

Tel: +251-967-105-147

"Empowering youth and women today, creating stronger communities tomorrow."