1. Executive Summary
SayPro respectfully submits this proposal to UN Women to implement a transformative initiative aimed at empowering 300 women—240 migrant women (80%) and 60 host community women (20%)—through capacity building and seed funding for business development. The project aims to equip these women with vital skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve economic self-sufficiency, promote social cohesion, and reduce vulnerabilities.
The proposed intervention will provide entrepreneurial and vocational training, business development support, and micro-grants to launch or expand income-generating activities. A community-based, participatory approach will ensure inclusivity, relevance, and sustainability.
2. Background and Context
The influx of migrant populations into host communities presents both challenges and opportunities. Migrant women often face barriers to economic participation, including lack of documentation, limited access to finance, language barriers, and discrimination. Similarly, host community women, especially in underserved areas, grapple with poverty and unemployment.
UN Women’s commitment to gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and social inclusion aligns with SayPro’s mission to uplift marginalized communities through structured training and development programs. This proposal seeks to advance these shared goals by supporting women’s entrepreneurship and enhancing social integration between migrant and host populations.
3. Objectives
- Objective 1: To provide practical capacity building training to 300 women (240 migrant, 60 host community) in entrepreneurship, vocational skills, financial literacy, and rights awareness.
- Objective 2: To distribute seed funding and provide business mentorship to selected participants to develop or scale sustainable microenterprises.
- Objective 3: To promote social cohesion and collaboration between migrant and host communities through group-based activities and shared business networks.
4. Target Group
- Total Participants: 300 women
- Migrant Women: 240 (80%)
- Host Community Women: 60 (20%)
- Age Group: 18–50 years
- Priority will be given to unemployed, low-income, and vulnerable women.
5. Project Activities
Phase 1: Mobilization and Baseline Assessment (Month 1)
- Community sensitization meetings
- Participant registration and profiling
- Baseline survey to assess needs and interests
Phase 2: Capacity Building Workshops (Months 2–3)
- Entrepreneurship Training: Business planning, market research, customer service, pricing.
- Vocational Skills Training: Tailoring, baking, agro-processing, digital literacy, etc.
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, bookkeeping, accessing finance.
- Legal Rights and Integration: Labour rights, access to services, cross-cultural communication.
Phase 3: Seed Funding and Business Development Support (Months 4–6)
- Competitive microgrant application process for at least 200 women (prioritizing group-based applications)
- Seed funding of up to [$500 USD or local equivalent] per business
- Ongoing mentorship, coaching, and business monitoring
Phase 4: Networking and Social Cohesion Events (Ongoing)
- Cross-cultural dialogue sessions
- Collaborative market days and exhibitions
- Peer support networks and WhatsApp groups
Phase 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (Throughout)
- Regular progress tracking and reporting
- Midline and endline evaluations
- Success story documentation
6. Implementation Timeline (6 Months)
| Phase | Activity | Timeline |
| Phase 1 | Mobilization & Assessment | Month 1 |
| Phase 2 | Training Delivery | Months 2–3 |
| Phase 3 | Seed Funding & Mentorship | Months 4–6 |
| Phase 4 | Social Cohesion Events | Ongoing |
| Phase 5 | Monitoring & Evaluation | Throughout |
7. Budget Summary (Indicative)
| Item | Description | Cost (USD) |
| Training Delivery | Venues, trainers, materials | $30,000 |
| Seed Funding | Microgrants for 200 businesses | $100,000 |
| Project Staff | Coordinator, trainers, admin | $25,000 |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Surveys, reporting, learning sessions | $10,000 |
| Social Cohesion Events | Events, logistics | $7,500 |
| Overheads & Contingency (10%) | Office, utilities, transportation | $17,250 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $189,750 |
8. Expected Outcomes
- 300 women trained in business and vocational skills
- At least 200 microenterprises established or improved
- Enhanced income generation and household resilience
- Improved relationships between migrant and host communities
- Strengthened local ecosystems for women-led businesses
9. Sustainability and Exit Strategy
- Participants will be linked to local cooperatives, savings groups, and government enterprise support programs.
- Business mentorship will continue through trained peer leaders and community resource persons.
- SayPro will develop a sustainability toolkit and resource guide for continued learning.
10. Monitoring and Reporting
SayPro will provide UN Women with monthly and quarterly progress reports, including:
- Quantitative data (training attendance, businesses funded)
- Qualitative data (case studies, testimonials)
- Financial updates
- Lessons learned and recommendations
11. About SayPro
SayPro is a reputable African social development organization committed to equipping marginalized individuals with the skills and support they need to thrive. We have implemented over 100 community development projects across Southern Africa, focusing on youth, women, and vulnerable populations through practical training, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
12. Conclusion
This proposal represents a timely opportunity to address both economic inequality and social division among women in migrant and host communities. With support from UN Women, SayPro is confident in delivering a scalable, impactful intervention that not only improves livelihoods but also fosters harmony and resilience.