Femme1000 - A 1000 Paths to Economic Prosperity

My organization is a for profit private limited company, which is a privately held small business in the media, publishing and content space. 

Sri Lanka is a lower middle income country with a population of around 22 million of which 48% is males and 52% is female. Adult literacy is nearly the same among both men and women.  However, if you look at the economic contribution in terms of employed numbers, the World bank’s stats of 2023 indicate a labor force participation rate of females at 32.1% and males at 71.9% among the economically active populations. According to world bank stats, female labour force participation has seen a significant decline since 1990. 

Today, Sri Lanka is at a critical time in its history. A country that has suffered time and again from both man-made and natural disasters, the country has a resilient bunch of people. However, since the last quarter of 2018, till today the country has gone through shock after shock in its economy. From a constitutional crisis back in 2018, to the Easter bombings in 2019 and thereafter the shock of Covid -19 which saw businesses reel from the impact of it, the economic collapse and political instability which followed in 2021 all have left scars on Sri Lanka’s people. The impact of the economic crisis went way beyond the business landscape, as some industries and SME’s had to halt operations resulting in loss of income, and loss of employment for many. According to the World Bank report, in 2022, at least half a million people lost their jobs, most of which were in the industry and services sectors and employed women. Following this crisis, Sri Lanka has also faced a brain drain with skilled migration taking place at a significant pace. 

For Sri Lanka’s people and businesses it has been a trying time with so much political and economic uncertainty. Consumption volumes on even basic necessities have seen massive declines as the spending power of people has declined. However, as economic reforms take center stage, and the nation goes through a transition, the future holds much hope for Sri Lanka’s people. 

With every crisis comes an opportunity, and as Sri Lanka gears for change, addressing the low participation of females in the economic equation is crucial. 

As Sri Lanka leverages opportunities in a rapidly advancing technological landscape, and shifting societal norms, millennial females represent a demographic with immense potential and aspirations. However, the challenges they face are twofold. 

1) Despite their ambition and talent, many face barriers in accessing entrepreneurship opportunities and quality education that supports an entrepreneurial journey including limited access to resources and networks, lack of role models and mentorship, and insufficient knowledge about entrepreneurship and business management. 

2) Very few females have risen to leadership positions in organizations, especially being at the helm of businesses. Although currently organizations may have set policies that promote gender equality and provide opportunities for women to advance in their careers, there is still a long way to go for women to be in the driving seat of corporates or at least having equal opportunities at board level. 

Femme1000 aims to address the gap in the economic contribution by females, by encouraging both entrepreneurship and more females to the workforce. To start of with, the project will look to build a 1000 member group of millennial and GenZ females who are passionate about running their own businesses, and an innovative platform that facilitates connections between employable females and business leaders/HR heads of organizations.

Femme1000 will be an exclusive community which will be based on a  membership model where females that identify with either of the two areas of focus can apply to be a part of this community. 

The Femme1000 portal will be a platform of connections, learning, growth and opportunities, and will initially rest on the Neon news platform. The project has already got off ground with the launch of Neon, a local language channel targeting Millennials and GenZs. The content developed through Neon aims to educate and empower this TG using multiple approaches including a series of talk shows that are curated around things that matter to them, such as entrepreneurship, aspirations, big ideas, leadership, purpose and values. It also aims to simplify and explain economic and political risk through explainer videos. All content is mainly video led and curated through personalities who have inspirational stories that relate to this audience. This is basically phase one of this project which we launched at the end 2023,  with a view to attract and retain the attention of this audience that we are targeting. 

The link to the platform already launched. https://neonmedia.lk/categorie...

We also have two established digital platforms that are in the English language which we aim to use to extend this project following the launch with the local language platform. They are www.economynext.com and www.echelon.lk. 

The project will cover:

Entrepreneurship Education: In collaboration with experts we aim to develop and deliver tailored online entrepreneurship education programs covering business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership skills, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Mentorship and Networking: We will look at establishing a mentorship program connecting aspiring millennial and GenZ females with experienced mentors and industry professionals.

Access to Resources and opportunities: It will facilitate access to resources and opportunities, while connecting HR organizations with female talent that will help nurture and build future leaders within the organization, addressing the talent attraction challenge firms face. 

Content and Community Building: We will create engaging and informative content tailored to the interests and needs of females interested in excelling in entrepreneurship ventures, and leadership positions in firms. This content will be disseminated through various channels, including social media, podcasts, virtual festivals and events, fostering a supportive community and empowering millennial females to pursue their entrepreneurial and professional goals.

Focusing on both entrepreneurship and leadership development, our project aims to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for female empowerment. Through education, mentorship, and access to opportunities, we aspire to build a generation of confident and successful female entrepreneurs and leaders.

Femme1000 is poised to revolutionize the landscape for Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka by directly addressing the specific challenges they encounter in entrepreneurship and professional advancement. Our initiative aims to not only empower these ambitious young women but also bring more women into the workforce, thereby fostering economic prosperity and innovation within the country.

The target population for Femme1000 consists of aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals who are eager to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or advance in leadership roles within organizations. Currently, this demographic faces numerous obstacles, including a lack of tailored resources and support systems, limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities, and systemic barriers to gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

To address these challenges, Femme1000 will implement a comprehensive approach designed to empower Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka:

1. Tailored Entrepreneurial Education Programs: Through collaboration with experts, Femme1000 will develop and deliver online entrepreneurship education programs covering essential topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership skills. By equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations, we aim to foster a new generation of female business leaders and innovators.

2. Comprehensive Mentorship and Networking: Femme1000 will establish a mentorship program connecting aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals with experienced mentors and industry leaders. This mentorship network will provide guidance, support, and opportunities for networking, enabling mentees to learn from successful entrepreneurs and navigate the challenges of business growth. By fostering meaningful connections and providing access to diverse perspectives, we aim to empower women to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

3. Access to Resources and Opportunities: Femme1000 will facilitate access to resources and opportunities for those pursuing entrepreneurship. Additionally, by connecting organizations with female talent, the initiative will help address the talent attraction challenge faced by firms, building a pipeline of future leaders within the company.

The expected outcomes of Femme1000 include increased knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and business management among Millennial females, expanded networks and access to mentorship and resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs, growth of a supportive community of Millennial females interested in entrepreneurship and education, and positive shifts in societal attitudes towards female entrepreneurship and empowerment.

In conclusion, Femme1000 is committed to bridging the gap and empowering Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka to pursue entrepreneurship and professional careers with confidence and determination. 

Our team is well-positioned to deliver this solution because we have a deep understanding of the target population and a genuine commitment to empowering Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka. As a diverse team with members who are representative of the communities we serve, we bring a unique blend of perspectives, experiences, and insights to the design and implementation of our solution.

I lead the business initiatives of Echelon Media, and as a woman myself, I have a  strong connection to the target population and a personal commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. I understand the challenges and aspirations of my peers and am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for them to succeed in entrepreneurship and leadership roles.  As an organization we have driven the topic of economic empowerment of women quite strongly across all our channels. 

Our team overall is representative of the communities we serve, with members who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the table. We have individuals who belong to the Millennial and GenZ demographics, ensuring that our solution is designed with their needs and preferences in mind. Additionally, we have team members who have firsthand experience in entrepreneurship and leadership roles, providing valuable insights and expertise to guide our efforts.

We believe in a participatory approach that involves engaging with stakeholders, listening to their feedback, and incorporating their perspectives into our decision-making process. Hence, we aim use listening tools that will help us in the designing and implementation of this product. We believe that using surveys, and interviews, we will be in a position to seek the input from Millennial and GenZ females to understand their challenges, aspirations, and priorities while developing this project.

Moreover, with Neon, the local language channel we have launched targeting Millennials and GenZs, demonstrates our commitment to connecting with the audiences we are targeting with this project. 

We are deeply invested in the success and well-being of Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka and are committed to empowering them through entrepreneurship and leadership development initiatives that are informed by their input, ideas, and agendas.

We selected the stage above because we have already launched our initial phase of the project, Neon, which targets Millennials and GenZs in Sri Lanka. Neon serves as a local language channel aimed at educating and empowering our target audience through a series of talk shows and explainer videos on topics such as entrepreneurship, aspirations, leadership, purpose and values. This phase of the project was launched at the end of 2023 with the specific goal of attracting and retaining the attention of our target audience.

To date, we have successfully developed and launched the Neon platform, which hosts a variety of video content curated around topics relevant to Millennials and GenZs. Through engaging talk shows and explainer videos, we have been able to deliver valuable aspirational and educational content to our audience, simplifying complex concepts such as economic and political risk and making them more accessible and understandable.

While we do not have specific metrics on the number of customers or beneficiaries served, we have received positive feedback and engagement from our target audience since the launch of Neon. The platform has garnered interest and attention from Millennials and GenZs in Sri Lanka, indicating that we are successfully reaching our intended audience and delivering content that resonates with them.

In addition to launching Neon, we also have two established English-language digital platforms, www.economynext.com and www.echelon.lk. These products already have audiences and we believe can contribute towards the success of Femme1000. 

We are now ready to move forward with the next phase of our initiative, which aims to empower Millennial and GenZ females through entrepreneurship and leadership development.

We believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to address complex global challenges. As a platform committed to fostering innovation and driving positive change, Solve aligns with our mission to empower Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka through entrepreneurship and leadership development.

While our initiative has the potential to make a significant impact, we recognize that there are various barriers we face that could hinder our progress. These barriers include financial constraints, technical challenges,  and market dynamics. We hope that Solve can help us overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of our solution by providing access to resources, expertise, and networks that can support our efforts.

Financial Barrier: One of the key challenges we face is securing funding to develop and scale our initiative. Femme1000's success is subject to our ability to raise sufficient funding inorder to get the project off ground and until it becomes commercially viable. We believe that Solve can help us overcome this barrier by connecting us with potential partners who share our vision and are willing to provide financial support. Additionally, Solve's network of philanthropic organizations and impact investors may offer funding opportunities that align with our goals.

Technical Barrier: Developing a comprehensive and engaging portal that links Femme1000 with its members, experts and corporates, will require skilled technical support and possible licenses, which would be a challenge we face despite our passion to get this project rolling. Implementing online education programs, mentorship platforms, and digital content requires technical expertise and resources. Solve can help us access technical support and guidance, including mentorship from experts in digital learning platforms and software development. By leveraging Solve's network, we can ensure that our technology infrastructure is robust and user-friendly, enhancing the effectiveness of our initiative.

Market Strategy : Understanding market dynamics and effectively positioning our initiative is essential for sustainability and impact. Currently, there is no such product that I am aware of here in Sri Lanka, as a first mover in to a dynamic and innovative space as what we have proposed, we believe that we can make an impact, and Solve can provide guidance in market research and insights to help us identify opportunities, refine our value proposition, and develop effective marketing and outreach strategies. Additionally, Solve's network may include corporate partners and industry experts who can provide guidance on market trends, customer needs, and partnership opportunities.

Overall, we believe that Solve's platform can play a crucial role in supporting our initiative's growth and impact by addressing the financial, technical, and market barriers we face. Through collaboration and partnership, we are confident that we can overcome these challenges and create lasting change for Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka.

Femme1000 brings innovation to the table by offering a holistic approach to addressing the specific challenges faced by Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka regarding entrepreneurship and professional advancement. Our solution stands out in several ways:

Femme1000 has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the entrepreneurship and gender equality space by serving as a model for empowering women in other regions and industries. By demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored education, mentorship, and networking initiatives, we can inspire other organizations and stakeholders to invest in similar programs and initiatives to support female empowerment and economic prosperity. By fostering innovation, creativity, and resilience, the project catalyzes positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape and contributes to the overall economic development of Sri Lanka.

Femme1000 has the power to change the market landscape by increasing the participation of Millennial and GenZ females in entrepreneurship and leadership roles. As more women enter the workforce and pursue entrepreneurial ventures, we can expect to see greater innovation, diversity, and inclusion within organizations and industries, ultimately driving positive social and economic outcomes for society as a whole.

Technology Integration: Femme1000 is a digital portal that will leverage technology as its backbone. Femme1000 harnesses the power of technology to reach and engage its target audience effectively. All interactions will be through the digital portal, including the online education programs, virtual mentorship networks, and interactive content, the project will offer scalable and accessible solutions to empower women across the country.

It will be the first such platform that will also help organizations connect with talent, where they will also have pre-interaction with future employees. Similarly, it will be the first in the entrepreneurial education space.  

Long-term Impact: Femme1000 is committed to creating lasting change by investing in the future of Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka. By providing them with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, the project sets the stage for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society where women can realize their full potential and contribute to sustainable development.

Overall, Femme1000's innovation lies in its holistic and forward-thinking approach to empowering Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka. By addressing the multifaceted challenges they face and leveraging technology, community empowerment, and economic empowerment, the project aims to create meaningful and sustainable impact that transcends boundaries and transforms lives.

Femme1000's theory of change is built on the belief that by providing tailored education, mentorship, resources, and community support to Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka, we can empower them to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in entrepreneurship and leadership roles. Our approach is based on the following logical framework:

Activities:

1. Tailored Education Programs: Femme1000 will develop and deliver online entrepreneurship education programs covering essential topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership skills. These programs will be accessible to Millennial and GenZ females across Sri Lanka, allowing them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

2. Mentorship and Networking: Femme1000 will establish a mentorship program connecting aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals with experienced mentors and industry leaders. Through one-on-one mentoring, networking events, and virtual communities, participants will receive guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration and growth, enhancing their confidence and competence in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

3. Access to Opportunities: Femme1000 will facilitate access to opportunities and learning in the corporate world, connecting employable females with HR heads of organizations.  By connecting organizations with female talent, the initiative will help address the gender gap in the economic contribution, fostering diversity, and inclusivity in the workforce.

4. Engaging Content and Community Building: Through Neon's platform, Femme1000 will create engaging and informative content tailored to the interests and needs of female entrepreneurs and professionals. By fostering a supportive community where women can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other, Femme1000 will create a conducive environment for empowerment and growth.

Outputs:

1. Increased Knowledge and Skills: Participants in Femme1000's education programs will acquire practical skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship and leadership, enabling them to develop viable business plans, manage finances effectively, market their products or services, and lead teams with confidence.

2. Expanded Networks and Connections: Through Femme1000's mentorship and networking initiatives, participants will establish meaningful connections with experienced mentors, industry professionals, and fellow entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and mutual support.

3. Enhanced Access to Resources: Femme1000's facilitation of access to opportunities, will provide participants with access to career opportunities in organizations while also providing organizations access to talent that they can connect and identify with to overcome recruitment challenges. 

Outcomes:

1. Economic Empowerment: By acquiring the knowledge, skills, resources, and connections needed to succeed in entrepreneurship and leadership roles, participants in Femme1000's programs will experience increased economic independence, stability, and prosperity, contributing to their personal growth and the overall economic development of Sri Lanka.

2. Increased Gender Diversity and Inclusion: Femme1000's efforts to empower female entrepreneurs and leaders will contribute to greater gender diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape and corporate sector,  creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

3. Long-term Impact: Over time, the collective impact of Femme1000's initiatives will lead to positive systemic changes, including greater representation of women in leadership positions, increased innovation and creativity in the business sector, and a more inclusive and prosperous society where women can realize their full potential.

Our impact goals for Femme1000 are centered around empowering Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka to succeed in entrepreneurship and leadership roles, thereby contributing to economic prosperity, gender equality, and social inclusion. We aim to achieve the following impact goals:

1. Economic Empowerment: Our primary impact goal is to empower Millennial and GenZ females to achieve economic independence and prosperity through entrepreneurship and leadership. We measure our progress towards this goal by tracking indicators such as:

   - Number of females who start or grow their businesses as a result of participating in Femme1000's programs.

   - Increase in the average income and financial stability of female participants over time.

   - Number of new jobs created by female-led businesses.

   - Revenue generated by female entrepreneurs and professionals who have participated in Femme1000's initiatives.

2. Gender Diversity and Inclusion: Another key impact goal is to promote greater gender diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape and corporate sector. We measure our progress towards this goal by monitoring indicators such as:

   - Percentage of female entrepreneurs and leaders in key industries and sectors.

   - Representation of women on corporate boards and in executive leadership positions.

3. Personal Growth and Well-being: Femme1000 also aims to foster personal growth, well-being, and resilience among Millennial and GenZ females. We measure our progress towards this goal by tracking indicators such as:

   - Increase in participants' self-confidence, self-efficacy, and leadership skills.

   - Number of participants who report feeling empowered and supported in pursuing their goals.

   - Percentage of participants who achieve their personal and professional milestones.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, Femme1000 employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including surveys and interviews.

 Ultimately, our goal is to create a transformational impact on the lives of Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka, driving positive change across multiple dimensions and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The core technology that powers Femme1000 is a digital platform called Neon, which serves as the primary medium for delivering our education, mentorship, and community-building initiatives. Neon is a comprehensive online platform designed to connect Millennial and GenZ females in Sri Lanka with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in entrepreneurship and leadership roles.

Neon leverages a variety of technological features and tools to facilitate engagement, collaboration, and learning among our target audience.

We have a total of 30 staff across the organization at present covering both the new product as well as our english media platforms. 

All staff are full time employees of the organization. 

Neon has a team of 5 dedicated full time employees. Hence, to launch this full scale project will require funding since we will have to grow the team. 

We have been working on Neon, which is phase one of this project since early last year. We launched Neon in November last year. 

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members. We recognize that diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enriches our team and enhances our ability to innovate and address the complex challenges we aim to solve. Here's how we ensure diversity, minimize barriers to opportunity, and promote inclusivity within our team:

Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, age, and professional experiences. We believe that diversity at the top sets the tone for the entire organization and ensures that a variety of perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

We actively promote diversity and inclusion in our recruitment and hiring practices.

Our established media businesses, www.echelon.lk and www.economynext.com, have predominantly relied on revenue generated through advertising and content marketing strategies. Historically, our revenue model centered around brands' advertising spend, which proved successful until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic-induced economic downturn led to a significant decline in ad spend across the industry, prompting us to pivot towards offering brand solutions and services tailored to the evolving needs of brands and firms. Despite the challenging times, including an economic crisis, this strategic shift has resulted in revenue growth for our businesses.

Recognizing the importance of diversifying our revenue streams and securing funding to sustain and expand our operations, we have actively pursued grants and other funding opportunities. While our primary focus remains on delivering quality journalism through our brands, we understand the necessity of securing financial support to continue our mission-driven work. Recent grants have been instrumental, particularly in launching innovative products like Neon, which currently does not have alternative revenue sources.

At the core of our business model is a commitment to balancing commercial success with impact-driven goals. Our news platforms cater to a niche audience consisting of decision-makers, high net-worth individuals, and policymakers, offering insights on the economy, markets, public policy, and political risk. Through our existing news products, we aim to educate and engage this audience on topics that are pertinent to their interests and responsibilities.

While profitability is important, we prioritize impact over profit and actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to driving positive change. By aligning with impact-driven partners, we can amplify our collective efforts towards addressing pressing societal challenges and fostering meaningful change.

In summary, our media businesses have evolved their revenue strategies in response to market dynamics, diversifying income streams and seeking external funding opportunities to support our impact-driven mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering quality journalism while actively pursuing collaborations and partnerships that advance our shared goals of making a positive impact on society.

Initially, to get the project off ground we will need to actively seek grants and other funding opportunities. 

As the project gets off ground, FemmeForward's revenue model is designed to ensure financial sustainability while providing value to female entrepreneurs and organizations seeking support and resources for their ventures. Our revenue streams include:

1. Subscription Fees: Female entrepreneurs and organizations will be charged a subscription fee for access to the FemmeForward platform and its features. This fee grants users access to a wide range of resources, including online courses, mentorship opportunities, networking events, and access to funding opportunities. The subscription fee will be priced competitively to ensure affordability for our target audience while covering the costs of platform maintenance and content development.

2. Transaction Fees: FemmeForward will earn a percentage of transactions facilitated through the platform, such as investments and partnerships. This revenue stream allows us to monetize successful connections made through the platform, incentivizing us to actively support and promote collaboration between female entrepreneurs and potential investors or partners. The transaction fees will be transparent and competitive.

3. Premium Services: In addition to standard subscription offerings, FemmeForward will offer premium services for users seeking personalized mentorship, coaching, and exclusive opportunities. These premium services will be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of individual users, providing them with access to high-quality support and resources to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. The fees for premium services will be determined based on the level of customization and value provided, ensuring that users receive a tangible return on their investment. 

4. Organizations corporate stories: Organizations can showcase their stories in terms of the journey, culture, leadership, goals ect through video or other story telling methods, which will be hosted on the platform so that the  employable talent can have full preview of the company and will be a brand building initiative for these firms. This premium service will be offered to organizations at a cost. 

Finally, to ensure the project is successful, we would be keen to look at long term investors into the business. By diversifying our revenue streams FemmeForward aims to maximize revenue while remaining accessible and inclusive to female entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. We will continuously monitor and optimize our revenue model based on user feedback, market dynamics, and emerging trends to ensure long-term financial sustainability and impact.