Deadline: 28-Mar-25
UN Women’s Catalyzing Growth for Women Economic Empowerment aims to directly benefit 2,000 women and girls in Sialkot and Bahawalpur, two key districts of Punjab, ensuring the inclusion of women with disabilities, minority women, and transgender individuals.
By addressing economic barriers, the initiative seeks to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, focusing on informal workers, including women home-based workers (WHBWs), entrepreneurs, and small business owners, the project strengthens skills, financial access, and market opportunities.
The program provides financial inclusion by facilitating access to digital platforms, microfinance and banking services ensuring that marginalized groups are not excluded from economic opportunities. Skill development initiatives offer vocational training, digital literacy, and business management programs, equipping women with the tools needed to improve their employability and entrepreneurial potential. Additionally, the project supports enterprise growth by linking small businesses to larger markets, supply chains, and e-commerce platforms, helping them expand and achieve sustainability.
A core focus of WEE Phase 2 is the inclusion of marginalized groups. For women with disabilities, the initiative ensures accessible training centers, assistive technology, and tailored entrepreneurship support. Minority women benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and legal awareness programs to address systemic discrimination. The project also actively supports transgender individuals by providing safe spaces, gender-sensitive training, and business development support, enabling their full participation in economic activities.
By fostering economic resilience and financial independence, the project ensures that no woman is left behind. Through targeted interventions, the project creates sustainable livelihoods, empowers marginalized women, and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.
As a cross-cutting theme, the project will integrate Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). All direct beneficiaries, indirect beneficiaries, and key stakeholders will participate in training, sensitization, and awareness sessions on EVAWG to promote gender equality and safeguard women’s rights.
Funding Information
- The budget range for this proposal should be USD 190,000 to 202,000 (approx. USD 100,000 per each district) combined for Sialkot and Bahawalpur, proponents may submit proposals for individual districts.
- The project duration is 18 Months 2025-2027
Outcomes
- Outcome 1: Transitioning women informal workers to formal sector through improved access to resources and law and policy implementation.
- Outcome 2: Increased Womens Labour Participation in Digital Sphere
- Outcome 3: Influencing Policies to Enhance Women and Girls’ Economic Leadership and Resilience
Eligibility Criteria
- At least 05 years of experience in designing and implementation of similar activities.
- Reputed nationally registered organization with representative office in Pakistan and outreach in mentioned areas of intervention.
- Proven track record of working in the area of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
- Previous work experience with UN agencies or other international development agencies is an advantage.
- Ability to communicate in local language.
- Valid MoU /NOC from EAD/Relevant Provincial Authorities to implement projects in the province.
- A verifiable reputation of integrity and competence.
For more information, visit UN Women.