SheConnect

The specific problem we are solving revolves around the economic empowerment of women in Nepal, particularly within the context of entrepreneurship and accessing markets. Despite having favorable legal frameworks on paper which score above average in South Asia at 80.6 on the World Bank’s Women, Business, and Law score, the implementation of laws and policies promoting women’s participation in the formal economy remains inadequate. Compounded by high rates of migration, approximately 31% of households are led by women.  

The prevalence of women-led SMEs operating in the informal economy, especially in rural areas, stands as a primary challenge. According to the World trade organization, trade policies disproportionately affect women, with bureaucratic barriers further dissuading their participation in the economy. Shequal, while working on various projects with women entrepreneurs in rural and urban Nepal, saw that many women miss opportunities because they encounter hurdles in accessing formal markets and export opportunities. Many of these women SMEs or similar kind operate in isolation, and therefore are unable to compete with larger international manufacturers.

The Government of Nepal has taken commendable steps by establishing Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers at the local level, allocating significant funds exceeding 20 million for women's training initiatives. However, the current approach lacks strategic planning and market analysis. Despite acquiring skills and capital through training, many women entrepreneurs face the challenge of limited market access. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive data at both national and local levels regarding the number of trained women turning into entrepreneurs and their market situation. This gap highlights the importance of value chain analysis and targeted support. Shequal Foundation recently conducted research in a metropolitan city near the capital, revealing that trained women entrepreneurs struggle to sell their products, hindering their ability to recover invested capital. In our context, women often do not have the luxury of trial and error in the labor market, emphasizing the urgency of providing them with the right support and opportunities from the outset.

Shequal is uniquely positioned to address the issue of underutilized women's entrepreneurship training on a national scale by leveraging our expertise in working with both government agencies and women entrepreneurs. We propose the development of an AI-based analytical dashboard that provides comprehensive insights to the government and entrepreneurs alike. This dashboard would visualize data on the number of women trained in specific areas over the past five years, alongside metrics indicating their transition into entrepreneurship and successful product sales. Additionally, it would integrate market analysis, identifying demand trends, import patterns, and market gaps. Based on these insights, targeted training programs for women at the local level can be recommended, ensuring alignment with market needs and enhancing entrepreneurial success. Furthermore, Shequal will utilize this data to categorize products produced nationwide, aggregating them on a unified platform. We will establish a distribution channel in collaboration with a logistics partner to facilitate the sale of these products, effectively bridging the gap between women entrepreneurs and potential markets.

Shequal's solution to address the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal is the development of an AI-based analytical dashboard that provides comprehensive insights to the government and entrepreneurs. This dashboard will serve as a centralized platform to visualize and analyze data related to women's entrepreneurship training, their transition into entrepreneurship, and successful product sales.

The dashboard will collect and process data from various sources, including government agencies, local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers, and Shequal's research. Using advanced AI algorithms, the dashboard will analyze this data to generate actionable insights and recommendations.

Key features of the AI-based analytical dashboard include:

1. Training data visualization: The dashboard will display the number of women trained in specific areas over the past five years, highlighting the most popular and effective training programs.

2. Entrepreneurship metrics: It will track the transition of trained women into entrepreneurship, providing insights into the success rates and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

3. Market analysis: The dashboard will integrate market data, identifying demand trends, import patterns, and market gaps. This information will help in aligning training programs with market needs and identifying potential opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

4. Targeted recommendations: Based on the insights generated, the dashboard will provide recommendations for targeted training programs at the local level, ensuring that women entrepreneurs acquire skills that are in demand and have a higher likelihood of success.

In addition to the AI-based analytical dashboard, Shequal will utilize the collected data to categorize products produced by women entrepreneurs nationwide. This categorization will enable the aggregation of these products on a unified platform, making it easier for potential buyers to discover and purchase them.

To further support women entrepreneurs, Shequal will establish a distribution channel in collaboration with a logistics partner. This partnership will facilitate the sale and delivery of products, bridging the gap between women entrepreneurs and potential markets. By providing a reliable and efficient distribution network, Shequal aims to help women entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of market access and reach a wider customer base.

The AI technology used in the dashboard will include machine learning algorithms for data analysis and pattern recognition, as well as natural language processing for text-based data. The dashboard will be built using modern web technologies, ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness for both government officials and entrepreneurs.

By leveraging AI technology and providing a comprehensive platform for data-driven insights and targeted support, Shequal's solution aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Nepal, enabling them to make informed decisions, access formal markets, and achieve sustainable success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. This solution has the potential to drive inclusive economic growth and create a lasting impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs and their communities.

Shequal's solution to address the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal is the development of an AI-based analytical dashboard that provides comprehensive insights to the government and entrepreneurs. This dashboard will serve as a centralized platform to visualize and analyze data related to women's entrepreneurship training, their transition into entrepreneurship, and successful product sales.

The dashboard will collect and process data from various sources, including government agencies, local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers, and Shequal's research. Using advanced AI algorithms, the dashboard will analyze this data to generate actionable insights and recommendations.

Key features of the AI-based analytical dashboard include:

1. Training data visualization: The dashboard will display the number of women trained in specific areas over the past five years, highlighting the most popular and effective training programs.

2. Entrepreneurship metrics: It will track the transition of trained women into entrepreneurship, providing insights into the success rates and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

3. Market analysis: The dashboard will integrate market data, identifying demand trends, import patterns, and market gaps. This information will help in aligning training programs with market needs and identifying potential opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

4. Targeted recommendations: Based on the insights generated, the dashboard will provide recommendations for targeted training programs at the local level, ensuring that women entrepreneurs acquire skills that are in demand and have a higher likelihood of success.

In addition to the AI-based analytical dashboard, Shequal will utilize the collected data to categorize products produced by women entrepreneurs nationwide. This categorization will enable the aggregation of these products on a unified platform, making it easier for potential buyers to discover and purchase them.

To further support women entrepreneurs, Shequal will establish a distribution channel in collaboration with a logistics partner. This partnership will facilitate the sale and delivery of products, bridging the gap between women entrepreneurs and potential markets. By providing a reliable and efficient distribution network, Shequal aims to help women entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of market access and reach a wider customer base.

The AI technology used in the dashboard will include machine learning algorithms for data analysis and pattern recognition, as well as natural language processing for text-based data. The dashboard will be built using modern web technologies, ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness for both government officials and entrepreneurs.

By leveraging AI technology and providing a comprehensive platform for data-driven insights and targeted support, Shequal's solution aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Nepal, enabling them to make informed decisions, access formal markets, and achieve sustainable success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Shequal and our team are well-positioned to deliver the AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs in Nepal. Our team's diverse background, extensive experience working with women entrepreneurs, and strong partnerships with government agencies and local communities enable us to effectively design and implement this solution.

Our founders, bring a unique combination of technical expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nepal. Both founders hold engineering degrees and have a strong background in technology, which has been instrumental in shaping Shequal's vision and approach to leveraging technology for social impact.

Diverse and Representative Team:

Shequal's team is diverse and representative of the communities we serve. We have team members from different regions of Nepal, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and cultural understanding to our work. Our team includes women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and professionals with expertise in fields such as gender equality, economic development, and technology. 

Community-Driven Design and Implementation:

At Shequal, we believe in the power of community-driven solutions. The design and implementation of our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the women entrepreneurs and communities we serve. We actively engage with women entrepreneurs through focus group discussions, workshops, and surveys to gather their insights, challenges, and aspirations. This feedback is integral to shaping the features and functionalities of the dashboard, ensuring that it addresses the real needs of the users.

We also work closely with local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers and community organizations to understand the on-the-ground realities and incorporate their knowledge into our solution. These partnerships help us to identify the most pressing issues faced by women entrepreneurs and design targeted interventions that align with their priorities.

Strong Partnerships and Collaboration:

Shequal has established strong partnerships with government agencies at both the local and national levels. We have been working with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, as well as local government bodies, to support their efforts in promoting women's economic empowerment. These partnerships provide us with valuable insights into the policy landscape, existing initiatives, and the challenges faced in implementing programs. By collaborating with government agencies, we can ensure that our solution complements and strengthens the existing ecosystem of support for women entrepreneurs.

Moreover, our collaboration with a logistics partner to establish a distribution channel demonstrates our ability to forge strategic partnerships that enhance the impact of our solution. We will continue to seek out partnerships with private sector actors, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to leverage their expertise and resources in delivering a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Shequal Foundation is currently in the concept phase of our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives. We have been working closely with women entrepreneurs and government agencies to understand the challenges and opportunities in promoting women's economic empowerment, which has informed the development of our solution.

While we have not yet built and tested a functional prototype, we have made significant progress in laying the groundwork for its development. Our team has conducted extensive research and data collection to understand the current state of women's entrepreneurship in Nepal. We have gathered data on the number of women trained in entrepreneurship skills, the success rates of women-led businesses, and the challenges they face in accessing markets and growing their enterprises.

In addition to secondary research, we have actively engaged with women entrepreneurs through focus group discussions, surveys, and one-on-one interviews. These interactions have provided us with valuable insights into the real-life experiences and needs of women entrepreneurs, which will be crucial in designing a solution that effectively addresses their challenges. To date, we have directly engaged with over 100 women entrepreneurs across different regions of Nepal, representing a diverse range of businesses and industries.

We have also established partnerships with local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers and community organizations to better understand the on-the-ground realities and incorporate their knowledge into our solution development process. These partnerships have allowed us to identify the most pressing issues faced by women entrepreneurs and gather feedback on potential interventions.

Furthermore, we have been working closely with government agencies, including the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, to align our efforts with existing initiatives and policies related to women's economic empowerment. These collaborations have provided us with insights into the policy landscape and the challenges faced in implementing programs at scale.

While we have not yet served any customers or beneficiaries directly, our research and engagement efforts have laid a strong foundation for the development of our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives. We have gained a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of women entrepreneurs in Nepal, which will inform the design and implementation of our solution in the next phase.

In the concept phase, we have also been working on refining our business model and identifying potential revenue streams to ensure the sustainability of our solution. We have explored partnerships with private sector actors and academic institutions to leverage their expertise and resources in delivering a comprehensive and impactful solution. We plan to use the insights gathered during the concept phase to develop a functional prototype of the AI-based analytical dashboard. 

Shequal Foundation is applying to Solve because we believe that the program's unique approach to supporting social impact solutions aligns perfectly with our mission and vision. 

We are seeking technical support and expertise to develop and refine our solution. While our team has a strong background in technology and engineering, we recognize that building a robust and scalable AI solution requires specialized knowledge and resources. We hope that through Solve's network of partners and experts, we can access the technical guidance and support needed to ensure that our dashboard is technologically sound, user-friendly, and effective in delivering actionable insights to women entrepreneurs and government agencies.

We are looking for strategic partnerships and collaborations to help us navigate the complex cultural and market landscape in Nepal. As a startup working to promote women's economic empowerment, we face cultural barriers and gender biases that can hinder the adoption and impact of our solution. We believe that Solve's diverse community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers can provide valuable insights and connections to help us overcome these barriers and create a solution that is culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

We hope that Solve can help us access new markets and scale our impact beyond Nepal. While our current focus is on empowering women entrepreneurs in Nepal, we believe that our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives have the potential to create positive change in other developing countries facing similar challenges. Through Solve's global network of partners and supporters, we hope to gain exposure to new markets, learn from the experiences of other social impact solutions, and explore opportunities for collaboration and expansion.

While raising funds is not our sole purpose for applying to Solve, we recognize that financial support is crucial for the sustainability and growth of our solution. We believe that Solve's commitment to connecting selected Solver teams with potential funders and investors can help us secure the resources needed to develop, test, and scale our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives. However, we are equally excited about the non-monetary support that Solve offers, such as mentorship, skills-building workshops, and networking opportunities, which we believe will be invaluable in helping us achieve our mission.

Shequal Foundation's AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives offer an innovative approach to empowering women entrepreneurs in Nepal by leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and community-centric solutions.

Our solution is innovative in its use of AI technology to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing markets and growing their businesses. While there have been various initiatives to provide training and support to women entrepreneurs in Nepal, our dashboard takes it a step further by providing real-time, actionable insights based on market trends, demand patterns, and success stories. This data-driven approach enables women entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, optimize their products and services, and tap into new market opportunities.

Our solution is innovative in its focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem of support for women entrepreneurs. By integrating data from various sources, including government agencies, local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers, and our own research, we are building a holistic picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in Nepal. This ecosystem approach allows us to identify gaps in the current support system, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of the problem.

This innovation emphasis on community-driven design and implementation. We actively engage with women entrepreneurs, community organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure that our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives are culturally sensitive, responsive to the needs of the community, and aligned with their priorities. This participatory approach not only enhances the effectiveness of our solution but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the women entrepreneurs we serve.

Moreover, our focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem of support could serve as a model for other initiatives working to empower marginalized communities. By highlighting the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we hope to shift the landscape of social impact initiatives towards more holistic and sustainable approaches.

In terms of changing the market landscape, our solution has the potential to unlock the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs in Nepal and beyond. By providing them with the tools, insights, and support they need to succeed, we are not only empowering individual women but also contributing to the growth of women-led businesses and the overall economy. As more women entrepreneurs thrive and scale their businesses, they will create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to the development of their communities.

This dashboard could serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing real-time data and insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs. This could lead to a more enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, with improved access to finance, markets, and other critical resources.

Shequal Foundation's theory of change outlines how our activities will lead to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes for our target population.

Activities:

1. Develop an AI-based analytical dashboard that collects, analyzes, and visualizes data on women's entrepreneurship in Nepal.
2. Engage with women entrepreneurs, community organizations, and government agencies to gather insights and feedback on the challenges and opportunities faced by women-led businesses.
3. Provide targeted training and support to women entrepreneurs based on the insights generated by the AI-based analytical dashboard.
4. Establish partnerships with logistics providers and other stakeholders to facilitate the distribution and sale of products made by women entrepreneurs.

Outputs:

1. A functional AI-based analytical dashboard that provides real-time, actionable insights on market trends, demand patterns, and success stories of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.
2. Increased awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs among stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, and support organizations.
3. Improved access to targeted training and support for women entrepreneurs, based on their specific needs and market opportunities.
4. Enhanced market access for women-led businesses through the establishment of distribution channels and partnerships with logistics providers.

Short-term outcomes:

1. Increased confidence and skills among women entrepreneurs in Nepal, as a result of targeted training and support.
2. Improved decision-making and business strategies among women entrepreneurs, based on the insights provided by the AI-based analytical dashboard.
3. Increased visibility and market access for products made by women entrepreneurs, leading to higher sales and revenue.
4. Strengthened networks and collaborations among women entrepreneurs, community organizations, and support providers.

Long-term outcomes:

1. Increased number of women-led businesses in Nepal that are profitable, sustainable, and scalable.
2. Improved economic status and living standards of women entrepreneurs and their families, as a result of increased income and business growth.
3. Reduced gender gaps in entrepreneurship and economic participation in Nepal, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society.
4. Increased recognition and support for women entrepreneurs among policymakers, investors, and the general public, leading to a more enabling environment for women-led businesses.

Evidence to support our theory of change:

1. Research by the International Labor Organization (ILO) has shown that targeted training and support can significantly improve the business outcomes and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in developing countries (ILO, 2018).
2. A study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) found that access to market information and insights is a critical factor in the success of women-led businesses in South Asia (ADB, 2019).
3. Interviews with women entrepreneurs in Nepal conducted by Shequal Foundation have highlighted the need for targeted support, market access, and data-driven insights to overcome the challenges they face.

By leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and community engagement, Shequal Foundation's AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives have the potential to create a significant and lasting impact on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal. 

Shequal Foundation's impact goals are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

1. Impact Goal 1: Increase the number of women-led businesses in Nepal that are profitable, sustainable, and scalable.
   1. Indicator 1.1: Number of women-led businesses supported by Shequal Foundation that report increased revenue and profitability.
   2. Indicator 1.2: Number of women-led businesses supported by Shequal Foundation that have been in operation for more than three years.
   3. Indicator 1.3: Number of women-led businesses supported by Shequal Foundation that have expanded their operations or entered new markets.
2. Impact Goal 2: Improve the economic status and living standards of women entrepreneurs and their families in Nepal.

   
   

   1. Indicator 2.1: Percentage increase in income of women entrepreneurs supported by Shequal Foundation.
   2. Indicator 2.2: Number of women entrepreneurs supported by Shequal Foundation who report improved living standards for themselves and their families (e.g., access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities).
   3. Indicator 2.3: Number of jobs created by women-led businesses supported by Shequal Foundation.
3. Impact Goal 3: Reduce gender gaps in entrepreneurship and economic participation in Nepal.
   1. Indicator 3.1: Percentage increase in the number of women-led businesses in Nepal (national level).
   2. Indicator 3.2: Percentage increase in the share of women-led businesses in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
   3. Indicator 3.3: Percentage decrease in the gender gap in labor force participation rate in Nepal (national level).
4. Impact Goal 4: Increase recognition and support for women entrepreneurs among policymakers, investors, and the general public in Nepal.
   1. Indicator 4.1: Number of policies and programs implemented by the government to support women entrepreneurs in Nepal.
   2. Indicator 4.2: Amount of investment (public and private) in women-led businesses in Nepal.
   3. Indicator 4.3: Number of media articles and stories highlighting the successes and challenges of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, Shequal Foundation will collect and analyze data from various sources, including:

1. Surveys and interviews with women entrepreneurs supported by our initiatives, to gather data on their business outcomes, income, living standards, and challenges faced.
2. Data from the AI-based analytical dashboard, which will provide insights on market trends, demand patterns, and the performance of women-led businesses.
3. National-level data from government agencies and international organizations, such as the Nepal Central Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank, to track changes in the overall economic participation and entrepreneurship of women in Nepal.
4. Media monitoring and analysis to track the coverage and portrayal of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

Shequal Foundation will regularly monitor and report on these indicators to assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and make data-driven decisions to improve our impact. We will also share our findings and insights with stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and support organizations, to advocate for greater recognition and support for women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

By setting clear impact goals and measuring our progress towards them, Shequal Foundation aims to create a transformational impact on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

The core technology powering the solution is an AI-based analytical dashboard that collects, analyzes, and visualizes data on women's entrepreneurship in Nepal. The dashboard leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to process large volumes of data from various sources and generate actionable insights for women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and support organizations.

Key components of the AI-based analytical dashboard include:

1. Data Integration: The dashboard integrates data from multiple sources, including government agencies, local Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers, logistics partners, and Shequal Foundation's own research and surveys. This data includes information on women-led businesses, market trends, demand patterns, and success stories.
2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): The dashboard uses NLP techniques to analyze unstructured data, such as text from surveys, interviews, and media articles. NLP enables the system to identify key themes, sentiment, and trends related to women's entrepreneurship in Nepal.
3. Machine Learning (ML) Algorithms: The dashboard employs various ML algorithms, such as clustering, classification, and regression, to identify patterns, predict trends, and generate insights from the integrated data. For example, clustering algorithms can group women-led businesses based on their characteristics, challenges, and opportunities, while classification algorithms can predict the likelihood of success for a given business based on historical data.
4. Data Visualization: The insights generated by the AI and ML algorithms are presented through interactive data visualizations, such as charts, graphs, and maps. These visualizations enable users to easily understand and explore the data, identify trends and patterns, and make data-driven decisions.
5. Recommendation Engine: Based on the insights generated by the AI and ML algorithms, the dashboard provides targeted recommendations to women entrepreneurs, such as suggested training programs, market opportunities, and potential partnerships. The recommendation engine uses collaborative filtering and content-based filtering techniques to provide personalized suggestions based on the user's profile and business characteristics.
6. Scalable Cloud Infrastructure: The AI-based analytical dashboard is hosted on a scalable cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability, reliability, and performance. The cloud infrastructure enables the system to handle large volumes of data and users, and allows for easy integration with other tools and platforms.

In addition to the AI-based analytical dashboard, Shequal Foundation's solution leverages mobile technology to engage with women entrepreneurs and facilitate the distribution and sale of their products. This includes:

1. Mobile App: A mobile app for women entrepreneurs to access the insights and recommendations provided by the AI-based analytical dashboard, connect with other entrepreneurs and support organizations, and manage their business operations.
2. SMS and USSD: SMS and USSD technology to reach women entrepreneurs in areas with limited internet connectivity, providing them with key information and updates related to their businesses.
3. Mobile Payments: Integration with mobile payment platforms to facilitate transactions between women entrepreneurs and their customers, as well as to enable access to financial services such as loans and insurance.

This combination of modern and accessible technologies has the potential to create a transformational impact on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

Shequal Foundation currently has a lean team working on the AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives. 

Full-time staff: 5

• 1 Data Scientist, 1 Software Engineer, 1 Community Engagement Manager

Part-time staff: 2

• 1 Marketing and Communications Specialist, 1 Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Contractors or other workers: 4

• 2 Data Analysts (contracted on a project basis), 1 UI/UX Designer (contracted for the development of the mobile app), 1 Content Creator (contracted for creating training materials and success story videos) 

Volunteers: 5 (for data collection)

Shequal Foundation has been actively working on the AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives for women's economic empowerment in Nepal for 3 years. The journey began in 2022 when the two co-founders identified the need for a data-driven solution to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Throughout 2023, the team focused on refining the idea, collecting data and building partnerships. 

Shequal Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our organization and through our work in the community. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for creating a strong team, developing innovative solutions, and achieving our mission of empowering women entrepreneurs in Nepal.

Diversity in Leadership and Team:

Shequal Foundation's leadership team, including the two co-founders and key management positions, represents gender and cultural diversity. The founders are women entrepreneurs themselves, and the board of directors comes from a marginalized community in Nepal. The leadership team is committed to maintaining and enhancing diversity across all levels of the organization.

Currently, Shequal Foundation's team comprises 90% women, with representation from various ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. The team also includes individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and persons with disabilities. We actively seek out and encourage applications from underrepresented groups when hiring for new positions.

Goals and Actions for DEI:

Shequal Foundation has set clear goals to further enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and in our work with women entrepreneurs. Some of these goals and the actions we have taken include:

1. Inclusive Recruitment: We have established an inclusive recruitment process that emphasizes diversity and eliminates bias. This includes using gender-neutral language in job descriptions, advertising positions through diverse channels, and ensuring a diverse interview panel.
2. Equal Opportunity and Advancement: We provide equal opportunities for all team members to grow and advance within the organization, based on their skills, performance, and potential. We regularly review our policies and practices to identify and eliminate any barriers to advancement for underrepresented groups.
3. Inclusive Workplace Culture: We foster an inclusive workplace culture where all team members feel welcomed, respected, and valued. This includes providing regular DEI training for all staff, celebrating cultural diversity through events and initiatives, and maintaining open communication channels for feedback and concerns.
4. Accessible and Inclusive Solutions: We ensure that our AI-based analytical dashboard and associated initiatives are accessible and inclusive for all women entrepreneurs, regardless of their background, language, or technical skills. We work closely with the community to understand their needs and tailor our solutions accordingly.
5. Partnerships and Outreach: We partner with organizations that share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we actively reach out to marginalized communities to ensure their participation and representation in our programs.

Shequal Foundation regularly monitors and evaluates our progress towards these DEI goals, using both quantitative and qualitative metrics. We also seek feedback from our team members and the community to continuously improve our DEI practices.

Value Proposition:

• For Women Entrepreneurs: Shequal provides comprehensive support, including training programs, market analysis insights, and access to distribution channels, enabling them to overcome barriers and succeed in the formal economy.

• For Government Agencies: Shequal offers an AI-based analytical dashboard that visualizes data on trained women entrepreneurs, their transition into entrepreneurship, and product sales metrics, empowering government agencies to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Women Entrepreneurs:

• Products/Services: Access to entrepreneurship training, market analysis insights, and distribution channels.

• How: Through participation in Shequal's training programs and utilization of the AI-based analytical dashboard.

• Why: Women entrepreneurs need support to navigate the challenges of the formal economy, access market opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.

Government Agencies (e.g., Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens):

• Products/Services: AI-based analytical dashboard providing data visualization and market analysis insights.

• How: Through collaboration with Shequal and utilization of the dashboard for decision-making.

• Why: Government agencies seek to promote women's economic empowerment and need accurate data and insights to formulate effective policies and allocate resources efficiently.

Products/Services:

1. Entrepreneurship Training Programs:

• Curriculum tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs, covering business management, market analysis, and access to finance.

AI-Based Analytical Dashboard:

• Visualizes data on women trained, entrepreneurship transition rates, and product sales metrics.

• Provides market analysis insights, including demand trends, import patterns, and market gaps.

Distribution Channel Establishment:

• Collaborates with logistics partners to establish a distribution channel for women entrepreneurs' products.

Revenue Streams:

1. Government Contracts and Grants: Revenue generated through contracts with government agencies for the development and maintenance of the AI-based analytical dashboard.

2. Training Program Fees: Charging fees for participation in entrepreneurship training programs, potentially subsidized by government grants.

3. Distribution Channel Partnership Fees: Generating revenue through partnerships with logistics partners for facilitating the sale of women entrepreneurs' products.

Plan for Financial Sustainability:

1. Diversification of Revenue Streams:

   1. Shequal will diversify its revenue streams to reduce dependency on any single source of funding. This includes:

      1. Generating revenue through training program fees: Shequal will charge fees for participation in entrepreneurship training programs, potentially subsidized by government grants to ensure accessibility.

      2. Government contracts and grants: Shequal will pursue contracts with government agencies for the development and maintenance of the AI-based analytical dashboard, providing sustainable revenue.

      3. Distribution channel partnership fees: Revenue will be generated through partnerships with logistics partners for facilitating the sale of women entrepreneurs' products, contributing to financial sustainability.

2. Long-Term Revenue Model:

   1. Shequal's long-term revenue model aims to cover expected expenses through a combination of sustained donations and grants, revenue from selling products or services, service contracts to governments, and potentially raising investment capital.

   2. The revenue streams will be structured to ensure they align with Shequal's mission and values, while also providing the necessary financial support for ongoing operations and impact expansion.

3. Evidence of Success:

   1. Grants and Contracts:

      1. Shequal has successfully secured grants and contracts from various sources, including government agencies, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations.

Example: Shequal received a grant from Dhulikhel Metropolitan City to implement a project aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in rural Nepal, demonstrating confidence in its ability to deliver impactful programs.

1. Impact Measurement:

   1. Shequal can provide evidence of its impact through data on the number of women trained, entrepreneurship transition rates, successful product sales, and community-level changes.

Example: Monitoring and evaluation reports demonstrate measurable improvements in girls' skills and knowledge, program retention rates, and leadership development among alumni, indicating successful outcomes and potential for sustainable impact.