SayPro Action Aid Young Urban Woman Programme Strategic Plan and 12 Months Calendar of Activities and Events

Mission Statement
The SayPro Action Aid Young Urban Woman Programme is dedicated to empowering young women in urban environments by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive socially, economically, and politically. Our mission is to break barriers, create equal opportunities, and amplify the voices of young women in cities, fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and social change.

Vision Statement
To create a world where young urban women are equally represented, respected, and empowered to lead and contribute to their communities. Through education, mentorship, and access to resources, we aim to equip young women with the skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and be catalysts for positive change in their cities.

Core Values
 

1. Empowerment:
   We believe in the power of education, skills development, and mentorship to uplift young women and provide them with the confidence to succeed in all areas of life.
2. Equality:
   We are committed to advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for young women, ensuring that they have a fair chance to excel.
    
3. Collaboration:
   We value collaboration and believe that working together with other organizations, governments, and the private sector will have a greater impact in addressing the challenges young urban women face.
4. Innovation:
   We encourage creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovative thinking, helping young women navigate the complexities of urban life and seize new opportunities.
    
5. Social Change:
   We are dedicated to creating lasting social change by supporting young women to challenge social norms, break stereotypes, and become active agents of transformation in their communities.

Goals and Objectives
 

1. Promote Educational Access and Skills Development:
   • Provide educational programs, workshops, and training that focus on personal development, leadership, and employability skills.
   • Offer mentorship and career guidance to help young women identify their strengths and career paths.
2. Facilitate Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment:
   • Empower young women to start and grow their businesses by offering entrepreneurial training, resources, and access to funding opportunities.
   • Promote financial literacy and economic independence by providing workshops on budgeting, saving, and investing.
3. Advocate for Rights and Equality:
   • Raise awareness about issues that affect young urban women, including gender-based violence, access to healthcare, and education.
   • Support young women in becoming advocates for their own rights and the rights of others, with a focus on political engagement and leadership.
4. Strengthen Community Networks and Social Support:
   • Build strong support systems by connecting young women with other women leaders, mentors, and community organizations.
   • Promote networking opportunities for young women to collaborate, share experiences, and support one another.
5. Increase Awareness of Urban Challenges and Solutions:
   • Provide a platform for young women to voice their concerns and ideas about the challenges they face in urban environments.
   • Engage young women in finding solutions to urban issues, including access to safe public spaces, transportation, and affordable housing.

Key Activities and Programs
 

1. Leadership Training and Workshops:
   • Host regular workshops focused on building leadership skills, public speaking, and decision-making to prepare young women for leadership roles in their communities.
   • Offer specialized training in conflict resolution, negotiation, and advocacy to empower young women to be effective change agents.
2. Entrepreneurship Programs and Business Incubators:
   • Provide entrepreneurship training and business development support, including guidance on business planning, marketing, and securing funding.
   • Launch business incubators that offer resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities for young women starting their businesses.
3. Mentorship and Career Guidance:
   • Pair young women with mentors who are professionals or entrepreneurs, offering them guidance and advice in navigating their careers and personal development.
   • Offer career counseling and job placement services, helping young women find meaningful employment and build sustainable careers.
4. Advocacy and Rights Campaigns:
   • Conduct awareness campaigns to educate young urban women about their rights and how to advocate for themselves and others.
   • Partner with local organizations to promote gender equality, combat discrimination, and address issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive health, and economic justice.
5. Networking and Community Building Events:
   • Organize regular networking events, conferences, and community forums where young women can connect with peers, mentors, and potential partners.
   • Host cultural events, workshops, and social meetups to encourage women’s participation in community development and decision-making.

12-Month Calendar of Activities and Events

| Month | Event/Activity | Details |

| January | New Year, New Opportunities: Goal-Setting Workshop | A workshop focusing on personal goal-setting, career planning, and financial literacy. |
| February | Young Women’s Leadership Bootcamp | A week-long intensive bootcamp focused on leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills. |
| March | International Women’s Day Celebration & Advocacy Campaign | A day of awareness-raising, with community events, panels, and social media campaigns on gender equality. |
| April | Entrepreneurship Week: Business Skills and Networking | Workshops on entrepreneurship, business planning, and networking with successful women entrepreneurs. |
| May | Digital Skills for the Future: Tech Training Program | A month-long series of workshops on digital literacy, coding, and using technology for business growth. |
| June | Health and Well-Being Month: Access to Healthcare Workshop | A series of workshops focused on reproductive health, mental health, and navigating the healthcare system. |
| July | Summer Internship and Job Placement Fair | A career fair where young women can connect with potential employers, internships, and mentorship opportunities. |
| August | Financial Freedom: Personal Finance and Investment Workshops | Workshops teaching budgeting, saving, investing, and creating financial independence. |
| September | Urban Issues Forum: Addressing Challenges Young Women Face | A public forum where young women can discuss urban challenges and propose solutions in areas like transportation, housing, and public safety. |
| October | Mentorship Program Kick-Off | Launch the mentorship program where young women are paired with mentors for ongoing support and guidance. |
| November | Networking and Career Development Event | A networking event bringing together women from various industries to discuss career development and opportunities. |
| December | End-of-Year Celebration & Graduation Ceremony | A celebration event recognizing the achievements of the year, with awards, testimonials, and a ceremony for graduates of training programs. |

Marketing and Outreach Strategy
 

1. Social Media Campaigns:
   • Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share success stories, event highlights, and inspirational quotes from young women.
   • Promote events using hashtags such as #SayProYoungWomen, #UrbanEmpowerment, #WomenInLeadership, and #FutureSheLeads.
2. Partnerships with Influencers and Role Models:
   • Collaborate with influential women in business, politics, and the arts to promote the program and mentor young participants.
   • Feature prominent women role models who have overcome urban challenges to inspire and empower young women.
3. Community Engagement and Word-of-Mouth:
   • Encourage participants to share their experiences and outcomes through testimonials, blogs, and vlogs, creating a sense of ownership and community.
   • Partner with local schools, universities, and community organizations to increase visibility and engagement.
4. Media Outreach:
   • Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV networks to share stories about the programme’s impact and key events, especially around International Women’s Day and other major initiatives.
   • Feature interviews with program participants in local and regional media outlets to raise awareness and attract new participants.

Financial Plan
 

1. Revenue Streams:
   • Program fees for workshops, mentorship, and business incubators (if applicable).
   • Sponsorships from corporate partners, especially those in technology, business, and finance sectors.
   • Fundraising campaigns and donation drives to support scholarships, events, and educational programs.
   • Government grants and funding from international organizations that focus on women’s empowerment and urban development.
2. Cost Structure:
   • Event costs, including venue rentals, speakers, and materials for workshops and training.
   • Program staff salaries, mentors, and facilitators for training sessions.
   • Marketing, promotional materials, and digital platforms for outreach and communication.
3. Fundraising Strategy:
   • Launch crowdfunding campaigns focusing on specific projects such as scholarships for young women entrepreneurs or access to digital education.
   • Partner with businesses to offer matching donations or sponsor specific events or programs within the initiative.

Evaluation and Monitoring
 

1. Impact Metrics:
   • Measure the number of participants in each program and event, tracking their progress over time.
   • Collect feedback from participants through surveys to assess their learning outcomes, empowerment, and career development.
2. Success Stories:
   • Document and share success stories of young women who have successfully launched businesses, advanced in their careers, or become community leaders.
   • Use testimonials and case studies to track the programme’s long-term impact on young women’s lives.
3. Financial Performance:
   • Monitor the program’s financial health, including revenue from events, sponsorships, and donations.
   • Track costs and ensure sustainability through careful budgeting and fundraising efforts.