Market-based Opportunities and Skills Training for Women and Youth in Lebanon

The project aims to improve the livelihoods of Lebanese Syrian and Palestinian women and youth between the ages of 15 and 34 in Lebanon contribute to women’s empowerment and strengthen the resilience of individuals communities and systems to withstand regional crises and stimulate economic development. Growth that works for everyone is fostered by working towards equal participation of women in the Lebanese economy specifically through skills training and support technical assistance to micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop their business and create employment opportunities and by supporting businesses in providing services assisting women’s participation in the workforce. This project links youth and women to market-driven skills training in partnership with the private sector to connect youth with employment opportunities. The project also helps entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance or in-kind support packages to accelerate growth and foster merit-based hiring practices. Training and/or business coaching is also provided to potential start-ups to help create employment. The project supports businesses in developing gender-inclusive practices to increase the hiring and retention of women. Additionally an analysis of the barriers impeding women and girls from accessing skills and job opportunities is also conducted. The project identifies services that enable women and youth to overcome barriers to employment (such as daycare and transportation) and helps develop them. To address barriers that prevent women from taking an active economic role the project is underpinned by community outreach to increase support for enhancing the skills of women and girls and their expanded participation in the workforce.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) women and youth are gainfully employed or self-employed; (2) MSMEs and start-ups improve their capacity to develop their businesses and hire women and youth; and (3) women and youth have a supportive enabling environment for their economic activities.