Creative Employment Solutions for Afghan Women

Overview

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 empower Afghan women to conduct home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements tailored to fit the unique circumstances in Afghanistan. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Afghan women, particularly in accessing employment opportunities, by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements. 
 
The goal of this NOFO is to support projects that build on past successes and address existing challenges to empower Afghan women with the skills and opportunities needed for remote and home-based employment. Success will be measured by tangible outcomes such as increased participation of women in remote jobs or home-based works, improved employability and economic independence, and a shift in societal attitudes towards women's workforce participation. The project should aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society where Afghan women can thrive economically and contribute meaningfully to national development. 

The program aims to accomplish the following: 

• Empower Afghan women with skills and access to resources for home-based, remote work, and other creative employment arrangements. 
• Reshape societal perceptions about women's participation in the workforce to foster an environment conducive to women making meaningful contributions to the local economy. 
• Create sustainable pathways towards economic independence and progress for Afghan women. 

Activities will primarily take place in Afghanistan, focusing on areas heavily impacted by restrictions on women's rights, which has significantly impeded their access to employment opportunities.

PDS seeks proposals for projects that should address at least one or more of the following areas: 

Career Readiness Workshops:  
Enhancing women's skills for home-based and remote employment through targeted training sessions to explain these models and coach women on setting up these types of work arrangements. 

Mentorship Programs: Providing ongoing support and guidance to women participating in the initiative by establishing mentorship relationships. Guiding participants through the job search, application, and interview process, and in their first months of employment. 

Placement and Matchmaking Services: Establishing relationships with remote or home-based work-friendly employers, raising awareness among such employers about the skills available to them through remote employment arrangements with Afghan women, facilitating engagement between program participants and employers through virtual career fairs or other opportunities, etc. 

On-the-Job Training Programs:  Facilitating practical experience and skills building in the remote work sector through virtual internship or job training experiences. 

Advocacy and Awareness:  Raising awareness among Afghan women about the opportunities of remote work arrangements and best practices in seeking and maintaining such employment. 

Strengthening Partnerships for Remote/Home-based Work Empowerment: Establishing collaborations with organizations specializing in remote and home-based work initiatives to enhance women's access to job opportunities in these environments, providing tailored resources and mentorship. 

We encourage proposals that contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing employment opportunities.

Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months 
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $750,000 
Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2024 
Funding Instrument Type: Grant 
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 to 18 months.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Application materials submitted via other means such as email will not be accepted.