Project Title: Provision of Soft Skin Vehicles with Full Services
Client: Women for Afghan Women
Locations: Kabul & Balkh, Afghanistan
Duration: January 2019 – November 2019
Implemented by: Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services
Executive Summary:
The Provision of Soft Skin Vehicles with Full Services project, executed by Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services on behalf of Women for Afghan Women, aimed to provide transportation support to the organization’s activities in Kabul and Balkh provinces of Afghanistan. This report provides an overview of the project’s objectives, activities, achievements, challenges faced, and the overall impact realized during its implementation from January 2019 to November 2019.
Objectives:
- To provide safe and reliable transportation for staff and beneficiaries of Women for Afghan Women in Kabul and Balkh.
- To enhance mobility and accessibility for the organization’s activities and programs in targeted provinces.
- To ensure the availability of soft skin vehicles equipped with full services to meet the organization’s operational needs.
- To contribute to the empowerment and socio-economic development of women and communities in Afghanistan.
Activities Undertaken:
- Needs Assessment: Conducted an assessment of transportation needs and requirements for Women for Afghan Women’s activities and programs in Kabul and Balkh.
- Procurement of Soft Skin Vehicles: Procured a fleet of soft skin vehicles equipped with full services, including maintenance, insurance, and driver services.
- Deployment and Operation: Deployed vehicles to Kabul and Balkh provinces and ensured their proper operation and maintenance throughout the project duration.
- Driver Training: Provided training to drivers on safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and customer service to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Established a monitoring and evaluation framework to track vehicle usage, performance, and beneficiary satisfaction, facilitating continuous improvement.
Achievements:
- Enhanced Mobility: The project successfully enhanced the mobility and accessibility of Women for Afghan Women’s activities and programs in Kabul and Balkh, enabling greater reach and impact.
- Safe and Reliable Transportation: By providing well-maintained vehicles and trained drivers, the project ensured safe and reliable transportation for staff and beneficiaries, contributing to their safety and well-being.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: The availability of soft skin vehicles with full services improved the operational efficiency of Women for Afghan Women, enabling smoother coordination and execution of activities.
- Empowerment of Women: Through its support to Women for Afghan Women, the project contributed to the empowerment and socio-economic development of women and communities in Afghanistan, promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
Challenges Faced:
- Security Concerns: Security threats in certain areas posed challenges to the safe operation of vehicles and the security of staff and beneficiaries, requiring heightened security measures.
- Logistical Constraints: Limited transportation infrastructure and road conditions in remote areas posed challenges to vehicle operation and maintenance, necessitating careful planning and coordination.
- Driver Recruitment: Recruiting qualified and reliable drivers with sufficient training and experience was a challenge in some cases, requiring rigorous selection processes.
Lessons Learned:
- Security Preparedness: Maintaining robust security protocols and contingency plans is essential for ensuring the safety of staff and beneficiaries in volatile environments.
- Investment in Training: Investing in comprehensive training programs for drivers is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient vehicle operation and passenger satisfaction.
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders is key to gaining acceptance and support for transportation projects in Afghanistan.
Conclusion:
The Provision of Soft Skin Vehicles with Full Services project, implemented by Awtsaar Logistic and Consultancy Services on behalf of Women for Afghan Women, has successfully achieved its objectives of providing safe and reliable transportation support in Kabul and Balkh provinces of Afghanistan. Despite facing challenges, the project has made significant contributions to enhancing mobility, improving operational efficiency, and empowering women and communities. Moving forward, it is important to build upon the project’s successes, address remaining challenges, and continue efforts to support the empowerment and socio-economic development of women in Afghanistan.