Project Introduction: The Women Aligned for Sustainable Youth-Centred Livelihood Action (WASYLA) project, implemented by Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP) in partnership with Global Educational Economic and Social Empowerment (GEESE), aimed to uplift vulnerable groups, including ultra-poor women, people with disabilities, and unemployed youth, in semi-urban areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Quetta. The project used the Poverty Graduation Approach to enhance income generation, skills, and employability through livelihood opportunities and skill development. With a focus on inclusion, social cohesion, and resilience to climate change, the project targeted 7,200 households and conducted pre-feasibility studies and developed inclusive business plans for production facilities/opportunities. The project sought to create shared value for businesses and the local community, promoting economic development and employment opportunities in the target areas. Project Activities: - Conducted market assessment and scoping study to identify employment and self-employment opportunities - Developed Livelihood Investment Plans (LIPs) for 743 households - Conducted semi-structured interviews with 743 households and key stakeholders - Held Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with business and vocational training associations - Conducted one-on-one interviews with identified market actors and training service providers - Developed inclusive business plans for production facilities/opportunities - Conducted technical assessments, market analysis, financial projections, and risk assessments - Identified potential production facilities/opportunities in three districts (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Quetta) - Engaged local stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations

Project Introduction: The Caring Communities for Children (CCC) project implemented by Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP) in partnership with Global Educational Economic and Social Empowerment (GEESE), aimed to create a supportive environment for the development of children in Dhok Hassu, Rawalpindi. The project targeted 25 households (approximately 175 individuals) from poor and marginalized families and conducted a market assessment and scoping study with business development planning. This initiative sought to enhance livelihood opportunities for youth, men, and women, equipping them with employable skills and competencies to pursue decent employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to improved socio-economic status and a brighter future for these children and their families. Project Activities: - Conducted market assessment to identify employment and self-employment opportunities - Conducted scoping study to understand livelihood-related dynamics in Dhok Hassu - Collected data through semi-structured interviews with households, community key informants, training and business development service providers, Ustaads, and trade union representatives - Developed toolkit for Livelihood Investment Plans (LIPs) - Assessed training needs of beneficiaries, including enterprise development, technical training, and job acquisition skills - Developed business development plans and strategies - Engaged with stakeholders, including trade unions, market actors, and training service providers - Identified potential partners and resources for future sustainability

The project, funded by UN Women and implemented by GEESE, enhanced the livelihoods and empowerment of 560 Afghan refugee women and girls in Mansehra and Haripur through skill development, job placement, and leadership training. Over 22 months, the initiative established 9 training centers, provided vocational and financial literacy courses, supported entrepreneurship, and linked women with local businesses. Women formed 18 Common Interest Groups, participated in exhibitions, and engaged in peacebuilding and social cohesion activities. Additionally, 70 women leaders from 10 CSOs were trained, enabling long-term advocacy for Afghan refugee women. The project significantly improved women’s economic independence, community resilience, and their role in decision-making. . Major Activities: i. Conducted Training Need Assessments (TNAs) in 6 camps ii. Developed Livelihood Investment Plans (LIPs) for 560 women iii. Established 9 training centers in Mansehra & Haripur iv. Provided 3-month vocational training (tailoring, embroidery, beautician) v. Formed 18 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) vi. Organized 2 exhibitions/Meena Bazaars for product showcasing vii. Trained 560 women in peacebuilding & social cohesion viii. Strengthened 10 local CSOs with 70 women leaders trained