Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP)

The Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) is designed to improve the livelihoods of young women, especially teen mothers who have graduated from vocational training. The program’s aim is to help them achieve financial independence through job access, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.

WEEP creates employment hubs and job centers that match young women with local work opportunities and internship placements. Graduates are encouraged to join Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to begin saving and accessing small loans. GURD facilitates access to microfinance institutions with youth-friendly lending products to support business startups.

The program offers coaching on market analysis, business planning, and product branding, enabling women to build viable small businesses in local markets. Participants also receive group training on income diversification and economic goal-setting. WEEP incorporates modules on marriage preparation and long-term family planning to support holistic future planning.

GURD continues to mentor and monitor each woman’s journey post-training to ensure long-term sustainability. Through WEEP, GURD helps break the cycle of poverty and dependency for hundreds of young women each year.