She RISE 3: Empower South

BACKGROUND

The Deep South region of Thailand has endured prolonged periods of social unrest, which has left lasting impacts on local communities. Despite years having passed since the height of the violence, vulnerable groups—particularly women, children, and the elderly—continue to face significant challenges.

These challenges include family issues, limited access to financial resources, diminished economic opportunities, and social marginalization. Additionally, the region’s economic development remains hindered, further exacerbating the hardships these groups face.

In response to these challenges, Kenan Foundation Asia, in collaboration with Mercy Corps, has been working to support women affected by the unrest. We have decided to adopt the successful approach from the past 2 years of the She RISE project to support low-income women entrepreneurs in the three southern border provinces.

• She RISE 1 (2021-2022): Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this phase focused on equipping women with the skills and knowledge to engage in online business and address the need for lifestyle change.
• She RISE 2 (2023-2024): Building on the success of the first phase, She RISE 2 supported women across Thailand, helping them implement both online and onsite business models to expand their entrepreneurial ventures.
• She RISE 3 (2024-2025): The current phase of the project focuses on the three southern provinces of Thailand. By providing targeted support to low-income women entrepreneurs, She RISE 3 seeks to foster the overall well-being of families and communities.

THE PROJECT

She RISE 3: Empower South is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women in the three southern provinces of Thailand: Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani. The project focuses on enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset of women from low-income communities, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to successfully manage and grow their businesses.

ACTIVITIES (YEAR 3)

1. Onsite Entrepreneurship Training: Delivering practical, hands-on business training at local centers to equip women with essential business knowledge, from financial literacy to marketing strategies, fostering sustainable business practices.
2. Skills Development: Providing targeted skill-building opportunities tailored to the local context and market needs, enhancing women’s ability to compete and succeed.
3. Onsite Business Showcases: Organizing events for participants to showcase their products and services, enabling them to gain exposure, market feedback, and networking opportunities with potential buyers and partners.
4. Business Pitching for Grants: Offering participants the opportunity to pitch their business ideas for grants, helping them secure funding to continue and expand their ventures.
5. Networking and Mentorship: Expanding women’s business networks through connections with local entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts.
6. Access to Financing: Supporting business growth by guiding women on how to access financial resources, including loans, grants, and investment opportunities.
7. Grant Selection and Post-Grant Mentorship: Grant recipients will receive 3 months of additional mentorship from the program to guide them in using the grant funds effectively for their business growth.

She RISE 3 will work closely with local incubation centers, serving as central hubs for the program. These centers will offer ongoing support, financing options, and relevant networks to women entrepreneurs, helping them get the holistic, sustained assistance they need throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

By empowering women in the Deep South, She RISE 3 – Empower South aims to contribute to long-term economic development, social stability, and prosperity in the region.

EXPECTED RESULTS

She RISE 3: Empower South is expected to significantly enhance the business and financial skills of women entrepreneurs in Thailand’s Deep South. Through the program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of business fundamentals, cost accounting, and marketing. This knowledge will empower them to develop stronger business plans and marketing strategies, ultimately leading to increased income and improved living.

Additionally, the project will not only provide participants with a strong network of support, including mentors, peers, business associations, and valuable advisors, but also play a vital role in connecting women entrepreneurs in the Deep South with potential partners and resources, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. By fostering collaboration and engagement within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the project aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in business, even in challenging circumstances.