July 12, 2026
Focus Area
Youth and Women Empowerment
We support women and young people in developing the confidence, leadership, resources and opportunities needed to participate fully in economic and community life.
Focus Area Overview
Turning Potential Into Leadership and Opportunity
Women and young people have the potential to lead meaningful social and economic change, yet many face unequal access to income, resources, leadership opportunities and decision-making.
Songjog Foundation combines leadership development, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, financial literacy and community engagement. Initiatives such as SONGJUKTA help women build income-generating enterprises, while youth programs create pathways to volunteering, leadership and constructive social participation.
We seek to help women and young people strengthen their agency, pursue opportunities and contribute confidently to their families and communities.
Key Challenges
Barriers to Progress
- Limited economic opportunities: Women and young people in underserved communities may have fewer opportunities to enter formal employment, establish businesses or reach viable markets.
- Unequal access to resources: Limited access to equipment, startup capital, financial services, technology and professional networks can prevent skills and ideas from becoming sustainable livelihoods.
- Social and gender barriers: Women may face restrictions related to mobility, safety, caregiving responsibilities, employment and participation in decision-making.
- Limited leadership pathways: Young people may have few opportunities to gain leadership experience, contribute to community decisions or participate in constructive civic action.
- Exposure to social risks: Unemployment, isolation, substance misuse and social fragmentation can increase vulnerability when young people lack positive support systems.
Our Approach
The Songjog Response
- Leadership development: We help women and young people strengthen communication, decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving and community leadership.
- Women-led enterprise: We support women in transforming existing capabilities into locally relevant businesses and income-generating activities.
- Financial literacy: Participants develop foundational skills in budgeting, savings, bookkeeping, pricing, mobile financial services and business management.
- Market access: We help participants explore local markets and appropriate digital platforms for their products and services.
- Youth mentorship: Our initiatives combine education, mentoring, community service, cultural activities and referral support.
- Volunteer leadership: Songjog’s volunteer network gives young people opportunities to contribute to humanitarian response and community action.
Impact
Evidence of Change
- People reached 3,500+
- Women engaged through SONGJUKTA 200
- Women-led enterprises launched 55
- Youth volunteers: 500+
Press Coverage
Stories from the Field
Support This Work
Support women and young people as they build livelihoods, exercise leadership and create positive change in their families and communities.