Women in the Economy: Bi-Weekly Report FY2019 June 16- 30, 2019

The program is divided into three components: Private Sector Development (PSD), Workforce Development, and Technical Assistance. Component 1 - Private Sector Development (PSD) focuses on supporting the growth of private sector businesses, particularly those owned by women. During the reporting period, WIE completed the selection of 120 businesses to participate in the National Trade Fair at the Expo Center in Kabul. The fair is scheduled to take place from August 6-9, 2019. WIE also held a webinar on packaging design process and packaging design techniques, which was presented by Mr. Alberto Zatta, a technical consultant based in Italy. In addition, WIE's Senior PSD Manager attended the Mumbai, India, and showcased Afghan products at the 'Made in Afghanistan' exhibition. The manager met with various Indian businesses to identify opportunities and compile recommendations for WIE's saffron extract businesses. WIE is reviewing the identified opportunities and recommendations for potential application. Component 2 - Workforce Development focuses on providing training and employment opportunities to women. During the reporting period, the number of women placed in internships and apprenticeships reached 9,462. In the North Region, 34 women secured new employment after completing their internships or apprenticeships. The number of women enrolled in Forward Together (FT) scholarships increased to 9,462, with 579 women enrolled in five FT scholarships in four provinces. Additionally, 288 women graduated from five healthcare courses in three provinces. Component 3 - Technical Assistance focuses on providing technical assistance to support the growth of private sector businesses. WIE, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, held a stakeholder consultation meeting for the third policy reform entitled, "Registration Policy for Female Professionals." The policy was formally presented and accepted by the Ministry and its Board of Directors. WIE submitted the policy document to USAID for approval, marking the completion of the policy reform indicator. Upcoming activities include supporting USAID's Sustaining Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS Plus) initiative, which aims to provide basic business management skills to 346 women in various provinces. WIE will design and deliver training courses in beautician, design, and ultrasound skills. Additionally, WIE will develop the storylines for the second season of the Roya program.