You Go Girl Initiative for Women’s Empowerment (Pakistan)

You Go Girl Initiative Overview

The You Go Girl Initiative is a capacity-building programme that empowers young women through digital skills development, mentorship, international knowledge exchange, and professional networking opportunities.

Implemented by UN Women Pakistan under the Digitalization for Women Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project and supported by KOICA, the initiative aims to improve women’s access to technology-driven careers, leadership opportunities, and the digital economy.

Purpose of the Initiative

The initiative aims to:

• Empower young women through digital skills development.
• Increase women’s participation in the digital economy.
• Strengthen leadership and professional development.
• Provide international exposure through knowledge exchange visits.
• Promote mentorship and career guidance.
• Build long-term professional networks.
• Enhance access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Encourage collaboration between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.

Focus Areas

Projects should support one or more of the following areas:

Digital Skills Development

• Digital literacy.
• Technology training.
• Digital tools and platforms.
• Career-ready digital competencies.

Mentorship and Leadership

• Professional mentoring.
• Leadership development.
• Career coaching.
• Personal development.

Economic Opportunities

• Employment pathways.
• Entrepreneurship support.
• Startup ecosystem exposure.
• Business development opportunities.

International Knowledge Exchange

• Learning visits to the Republic of Korea.
• Institutional engagement.
• Technology ecosystem exposure.
• Cross-cultural learning.

Technology Sector Exposure

Participants will engage with:

• Technology companies.
• Innovation hubs.
• Startup incubators.
• Business development centres.

Institutional Engagement

Visits may include:

• Government institutions.
• Policy organizations.
• Universities.
• Research institutions.
• Private technology companies.

Networking and Alumni Development

• Professional networking.
• Alumni engagement.
• Knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Digital networking platforms.
• Continued mentorship.

Cultural Exchange

• Cross-cultural activities.
• International collaboration.
• Global learning experiences.

Funding Information

The programme provides financial support for implementing organizations.

• Budget range: PKR 122,046,120 to PKR 135,606,520.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Pakistan-based nationally registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Applicants must also:

• Be legally registered in Pakistan.
• Partner with a Korea-based CSO.
• Demonstrate experience managing similar programmes.
• Have capacity to coordinate international exchange programmes.
• Support participant logistics, mentoring, and programme implementation.

Programme Activities

Selected organizations will support:

• Beneficiary coordination.
• Travel planning.
• Visa and logistics management.
• Accommodation arrangements.
• Transportation.
• Halal-certified meals.
• Interpretation services.
• Institutional visits.
• Photography and videography.
• Documentation.
• Emergency coordination.
• Programme visibility.
• Alumni engagement.
• Post-visit mentoring.

How the Initiative Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Submit a Proposal

Eligible Pakistan-based CSOs prepare and submit a technical and financial proposal.

Step 2: Establish Partnership

Partner with a qualified Korea-based CSO for programme delivery.

Step 3: Programme Planning

Develop:

• Exchange schedules.
• Institutional visits.
• Learning activities.
• Logistics plans.
• Mentorship framework.

Step 4: Participant Coordination

Support the selection and preparation of young women participating in the programme.

Step 5: Knowledge Exchange Visit

Each participant cohort undertakes a five-to-six-day study visit to the Republic of Korea, including:

• Institutional visits.
• Technology sector exposure.
• Networking sessions.
• Leadership development.
• Cultural exchange activities.

Step 6: Post-Visit Engagement

Following the exchange, participants continue through:

• Alumni networks.
• Mentorship programmes.
• Knowledge-sharing workshops.
• Digital networking.
• Professional development opportunities.

Why This Initiative Matters

The programme helps:

• Increase women’s participation in technology.
• Improve digital employability.
• Strengthen women’s leadership.
• Expand international collaboration.
• Build professional networks.
• Support entrepreneurship.
• Promote gender equality in the digital economy.
• Create long-term career opportunities for young women.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without an eligible Korea-based partner.
• Submitting incomplete technical or financial proposals.
• Providing weak logistics or implementation plans.
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity.
• Not addressing participant safety and coordination.
• Overlooking post-visit engagement activities.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Demonstrate experience in women’s empowerment programmes.
• Highlight expertise in international programme management.
• Present a detailed implementation methodology.
• Include strong logistics and risk management plans.
• Explain participant mentoring and follow-up activities.
• Build a capable partnership with a Korea-based CSO.
• Clearly demonstrate value for money and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the You Go Girl Initiative?

It is a UN Women Pakistan initiative that empowers young women through digital skills, mentorship, and knowledge exchange visits to the Republic of Korea.

2. Who supports the programme?

The initiative is implemented under the Digitalization for Women Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project with support from KOICA.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are nationally registered Pakistan-based Civil Society Organizations working in partnership with a Korea-based CSO.

4. Who will benefit from the programme?

The initiative will support 160 young women aged 18–35 from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2026 and 2027.

5. What activities are included in the exchange programme?

Participants will take part in institutional visits, technology sector exposure, networking, leadership development, mentorship, and cultural exchange activities.

6. What is the available budget?

The proposal budget should range between PKR 122,046,120 and PKR 135,606,520.

7. What happens after participants return from Korea?

Participants continue through alumni engagement, mentoring, digital networking, knowledge-sharing sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Conclusion

The You Go Girl Initiative offers a significant opportunity for eligible civil society organizations to help empower young women through digital education, international exposure, mentorship, and leadership development. By connecting participants with Korea’s innovation ecosystem and supporting long-term professional growth, the initiative contributes to greater gender equality, digital inclusion, and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan.