USAID Promote: Women in Government First Quarterly Report- 2017

This followed completion of an earlier three-month Women's Leadership Development training course. Following the conclusion of their training, the interns were introduced to 18 GIRoA ministries and independent agencies to begin three-month practical internships, the final component of the comprehensive twelve-month internship program. Internship Recruitment Process In October 2016, the second class of Kabul interns (Cohort Two) continued their civil service training at the Institute for the Disabled, Ministry of Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD). Meanwhile, the internship recruitment process for the next groups of interns concluded for Kabul and the resurgent hubs of Mazar and Herat provinces. The project completed the recruitment process for a new class of 150 interns due to start training in Herat by February 2017. A new class of 150 interns in Balch will follow a few weeks later. Plans also include a new class of 50 interns to start at the AIRD in Kabul by the end of January 2017. Employment of Graduates Out of 16 graduates from the initial internship program, 15 are employed in five GIRoA ministries, independent agencies, and Parliament. The project aims to work with the interns to identify prospective full-time employment in permanent civil service positions. Relationship Building The project team continued strengthening relationships with GIRoA ministries and other agencies during meetings to discuss the placement of interns in government offices. These discussions focused on three-month practicum trainings for those interns who have completed the six-month civil service curriculum and three-month Women's Leadership Development training. The project engaged 20 ministries and agencies to finalize agreements intended to formalize their long-term commitment to the objectives of the internship program. Policy and Advocacy During this reporting period, the project team enlisted 13 GIRoA ministries and two independent agencies to implement policies and procedures to support women's participation in the civil service. The project also worked with the Ministry of Women's Affairs to develop a policy framework to promote women's participation in the civil service. The project team also conducted a series of focus group discussions with women in government to identify obstacles and challenges they face in their careers. Monitoring and Evaluation The project team conducted a series of monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the progress of the internship program. The team also conducted a survey to assess the impact of the program on the interns and their employers. The results of the survey showed that the interns have gained valuable skills and knowledge in their respective fields, and that their employers have benefited from their contributions. Planned Activities for Next Reporting Period The project team plans to continue strengthening relationships with GIRoA ministries and agencies to finalize agreements to formalize their long-term commitment to the objectives of the internship program. The project will also work with the interns to identify prospective full-time employment in permanent civil service positions. The project team will also conduct a series of focus group discussions with women in government to identify obstacles and challenges they face in their careers. Annex I: Weekly Radio Series Highlights The project team conducted a weekly radio series to promote the internship program and to raise awareness about the importance of women's participation in the civil service. The series was broadcast on a local radio station and was well-received by the audience. The project team also conducted a series of interviews with women in government to share their experiences and challenges. Annex II: Project Success Stories The project team documented a series of success stories of women who have benefited from the internship program. The stories highlight the impact of the program on the interns and their employers, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the program in promoting women's participation in the civil service.