Request for Proposals for Adult Literacy and Numeracy Training of Women

Background
The Women's Rights to Legal and Matrimonial Property (WRLMP) project at the Legal Aid Society
Pakistan (LAS) is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the barriers that hinder women's
access to and ownership of property rights in Pakistan. The program recognizes that property
rights are fundamental to social justice, women empowerment, and economic independence.
LAS is currently implementing the WRLMP in three districts of Sindh, namely Karachi,
Larkana, and Shaheed Benazirabad, to provide women with legal assistance, advocacy, and
empowerment initiatives to assert their property rights effectively.
Our findings from research on Identifying Gaps and Challenges in Women’s Acquisition and
Access to Social Security Mechanisms and Property1 reveal an exponential increase in women's
understanding of their property rights with higher levels of education. Education emerges as a
salient demographic factor, shaping women's interactions with property rights. This underscores
the pivotal role of education in empowering women, enhancing their understanding, and enabling
them to assert their rights effectively. The need for targeted educational interventions and policy
measures to enhance women's engagement with property rights is paramount.
The Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALAN) component under the WRLMP represents a critical
step towards fostering gender equality, promoting women's empowerment, and facilitating
socioeconomic development. Rooted in a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that hinder
women's access to property rights, the ALAN initiative seeks to address the intersectionality of
education, women's empowerment, and the right to property ownership.
Through the ALAN program, LAS endeavors to bridge the gap between literacy, legal
awareness, and women's empowerment. By equipping women with essential literacy and
numeracy skills, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and empower women to navigate legal
complexities with confidence and agency. The ALAN initiative catalyzes change, facilitating
transformative opportunities for women to assert their rights and contribute meaningfully to their
communities.

Request for Proposal and Project Timeline
LAS invites proposals from competent and registered organizations with an established track record for the development, design, and implementation of an adult literacy and numeracy training program for 60 women in Karachi, Larkana, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The program is expected to start from September 2024

The proposal must include the following:
1. Program Narrative:
● A detailed implementation and design strategy.
● Clear list of learning outcomes, goals, and curriculum outline.
● Anticipated human resources (total number, role, title, experience).

2. Work Plan:
● A 3-month work plan from inception to closeout.

3. Budget and Budget Narrative:
● Detailed budget including all associated costs (teaching, supplies, equipment,
management).
● Proposal must be inclusive of all taxes.

4. Outsourcing Details (if applicable):
● Clearly state if any work will be outsourced.
● Include details of the contracting party.

5. Resumes/CVs:
● Resumes/CVs of teachers and key personnel engaged in the program.

6. Legal Status and Registration:
● Evidence of the organization’s legal status and registration.

7. Past experience:
● Description of experience in designing and implementing adult literacy projects.

Terms of Reference (TORs):
Introduction:
The ALAN component under WRLP is designed to support women’s increased agency through
access, acquisition, and protection of property by providing basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Objectives:
● To provide basic reading and writing skills.
● To support women to become familiar with basic mathematical numbers.
● To enable them to read and understand their legal rights to property.
● To enhance their numeracy skills for better financial management and record keeping.
● To enable them to read the expiry dates of medicines.
● To familiarize women with basic mathematical numbers to dial a phone number in
emergencies.

Scope of Work:
● Develop and deliver a curriculum that includes basic literacy and numeracy skills.
● Conduct training sessions for a total of 60 women in Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad and
Karachi.
● Monitor and evaluate the progress of the participants.
● Identify potential venues for the learning centers where the classes would be held.
● Submit regular progress reports to LAS.

Duration:
● 3 months starting from September 2024

EEO Statement:

Integrated into our shared values is LAS’s commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics or conduct protected by law. LAS is committed to being an inclusive organization where all people are treated fairly, recognized for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encourage to strive to reach their full potential. We believe in understanding and respecting differences among all people. Every individual at LAS has an ongoing responsibility to respect and support a diverse environment.

Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). LAS explicitly prohibits its
staff, associates, partners, consultants, or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work from:

• Engaging in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse;
• Sexual activity with children (persons below the age of (18) irrespective of a mistaken belief of the age of the child which shall not amount to a defense);
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance;
• Sexual relationships between LAS staff and beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics,undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of LAS and are strongly discouraged.