Women in the Economy Bi-Weekly Report FY5 March 16-31, 2020

The program is divided into three components: Private Sector Development (PSD), Workforce Development (WfD), and Technical Services. PSD activities are currently underway in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif, with mentors providing guidance to businesses remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown. WIE continues to support 47 microenterprises in Bamyan, Kapisa, Parwan, and Badakhshan provinces, with all female mentors conducting mentorship sessions with client businesses. The number of WIE beneficiaries placed in new or better jobs has reached 22,783. During the period, 24 female scholars successfully graduated from an ultrasound course in Mazar-i-Sharif, while 20 female scholars were enrolled in another ultrasound training in Kabul. However, the training was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown. Five Job Readiness Training (JRT) sessions were held in the north and central regions, benefiting 70 beneficiaries. The COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted WIE training activities, with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) suspending all temporary learning spaces and community-based education to contain the spread of the virus. As a result, several planned training courses were cancelled or delayed, including Teachers Preparedness Training, Professional School Management training, Dermatology training, and Graphic design training. Technical Services component of WIE is working to finalize the episodes for the second season of the Roya TV show. Marketing materials have been designed and a promotion campaign has begun through billboards, social media, and Khurshid radio and TV station. Upcoming activities include the printing of marketing materials for the Afghan Medical Council (AMC) media campaign, reviewing milestone documents submitted by grantees, overseeing the production of Roya Season 2, and providing communication support to the PSD and WfD teams. Client approvals are pending for several requests, including USAID Contracting Officer's Approval of Non-Expendable Property (NXP)/Property Disposition for Equipment in the WIE Mazar-i-Sharif Office, Vetting Request for USD 50,000, HR - Technical, Rate and Travel Approval for Julie Sellers, and HR - Key Personnel Change, Technical, Rate and Travel Approval for Adnan Ansari.