Strategy

1. Executive Summary

The Immunity and Survival National Organization (ISNO) is a non-governmental, non-profit entity that was officially registered in Afghanistan on April 23, 2022. ISNO aims to promote and support the development of Afghan society with a particular emphasis on empowering women and other vulnerable communities. The organization’s mission is to provide humanitarian services, improve health and education, advocate for women’s rights, and enhance economic opportunities. With a vision of fostering a prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan, ISNO is committed to building long-term sustainable development through holistic programming and community engagement.

This strategic plan outlines the key areas of focus for ISNO over the next three to five years. It provides a comprehensive framework for the organization’s goals, objectives, activities, and financial sustainability efforts. By following this strategic direction, ISNO will empower women, improve living standards, and contribute to the development of Afghanistan.

2. Organizational Overview

Mission Statement:
To empower Afghan women and marginalized communities by providing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and legal protections, while advocating for gender equality and human rights.

Vision Statement:
To create a resilient Afghan society where women are central to the country’s social, economic, and political progress.

Core Values:

• Empowerment: Supporting women to take leadership roles in their communities and contribute to society’s growth.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring that all vulnerable groups, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social status, have equal access to opportunities.
• Accountability: Maintaining transparency in operations, ensuring donor funds are used effectively, and adhering to the highest ethical standards.
• Sustainability: Developing programs that ensure long-term benefits and continue to support communities even after initial intervention.

3. Organizational Structure

ISNO’s organizational structure is designed to support its goals efficiently. The leadership of the organization is comprised of a Director, Deputy Director, and the Board of Directors. The Board includes five members, with representation from both men and women to ensure gender balance.

Key Organizational Departments:

1. Executive Leadership: Responsible for strategic direction and overall management.
2. Financial and Administrative Department: Manages budgeting, financial reporting, and legal compliance.
3. Human Resources Department: Oversees recruitment, training, and staff management.
4. Public Information and Communication Department: Handles external relations, media, and social media outreach.
5. Procurement and Logistics Department: Manages the acquisition of materials and services.
6. Project Monitoring and Evaluation Department: Ensures that all projects meet their goals and are implemented according to plan.

As ISNO expands, new departments such as Policy Planning and Advocacy, Project Coordination, and External Communications will be developed to better manage and scale its programs.

4. Strategic Goals and Objectives

The overarching strategic goals for ISNO are to enhance the well-being of Afghan women, foster economic development, and promote gender equality. These goals will be achieved through the following objectives:

Goal 1: Empower Women and Promote Gender Equality

To improve women’s participation in decision-making and empower them economically, socially, and politically.

Objectives:

1. Provide women with leadership and vocational training.
2. Support women entrepreneurs through mentorship and business development.
3. Advocate for gender equality in national policies and practices.

Goal 2: Promote Economic Security and Livelihoods

To enhance the economic security of women and vulnerable communities through income-generating activities and access to financial resources.

Objectives:

1. Offer vocational training programs, including in carpet weaving, tailoring, and agriculture.
2. Provide microfinance services and facilitate access to markets for women-led businesses.
3. Support the development of women’s cooperatives and local production.

Goal 3: Improve Health and Well-being

To improve health outcomes for women, children, and families, particularly focusing on maternal and child health.

Objectives:

1. Conduct health education programs on maternal health, child nutrition, and hygiene.
2. Provide mobile health clinics and health services in underserved areas.
3. Improve access to reproductive health services and family planning.

Goal 4: Enhance Education and Literacy

To increase access to education, especially for girls and women, and improve literacy rates in rural areas.

Objectives:

1. Offer literacy programs and educational workshops for women and children.
2. Provide scholarships for girls to attend secondary and higher education.
3. Raise awareness about the importance of education for girls and women.

Goal 5: Advocate for Women’s Rights and Legal Protections

To protect the legal rights of women and ensure they have access to justice and support in cases of gender-based violence.

Objectives:

1. Provide legal literacy programs for women to inform them of their rights under Afghan law.
2. Offer legal aid and support to women facing legal issues, such as inheritance or divorce.
3. Advocate for the implementation of gender-sensitive policies at the national level.

5. Key Programs and Initiatives

ISNO’s programs are designed to address the multifaceted needs of Afghan women and marginalized communities. These initiatives are closely aligned with ISNO’s strategic goals and will focus on the following areas:

1)     Health and Nutrition:

1.      Providing mobile healthcare services and medical outreach to rural communities.

2.      Conducting workshops on maternal health, child nutrition, and family planning.

3.      Distributing health resources such as vitamins, medical supplies, and hygiene products.

2)     Economic Empowerment:

1.      Offering vocational training in skills like carpet weaving, tailoring, and agriculture.

2.      Supporting women entrepreneurs through microloans, mentorship, and access to markets.

3.      Developing women’s cooperatives to increase their production capacity and market visibility.

3)     Education and Literacy:

1.      Running literacy programs in rural and urban areas for women and children.

2.      Providing scholarships and mentorship programs for young girls to pursue higher education.

3.      Establishing community education centers for women’s empowerment.

4)     Legal Aid and Advocacy:

1.      Providing legal literacy workshops on topics such as property rights, inheritance, and domestic violence.

2.      Offering legal aid services through partnerships with local law firms and human rights organizations.

3.      Advocating for stronger laws that protect women from gender-based violence and discrimination.

6. Financial Strategy and Sustainability

ISNO’s financial strategy is centered around sustainability and resource diversification. The organization aims to secure stable funding while maximizing the efficiency of resource allocation to ensure the long-term success of its programs.

Funding Sources:

1. Donations and Grants: ISNO will pursue funding from international donors, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.
2. Strategic Partnerships: The organization will collaborate with other NGOs, the private sector, and international agencies to secure additional resources and expertise.
3. Revenue-Generating Activities: ISNO will develop social enterprises, such as selling women-made products and offering paid training programs, to create a sustainable income stream.

Budget Allocation:

1. 50% of the budget will be allocated to directly supporting women’s programs (economic empowerment, education, health).
2. 20% will be dedicated to operational and administrative costs, including salaries and infrastructure maintenance.
3. 15% will be used for project monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment.
4. 15% will be reserved for unforeseen operational needs or emergencies.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The effectiveness and impact of ISNO’s programs will be assessed regularly to ensure that they are achieving their objectives. The organization will use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and outcomes.

KPIs include:

1. Outreach: The number of women and communities reached by ISNO’s programs.
2. Impact: Improvements in health, literacy, economic independence, and legal awareness among beneficiaries.
3. Sustainability: The financial stability of ISNO, measured by income from social enterprises and donor support.

M&E Process:

1. Regular surveys and assessments will gather feedback from beneficiaries to measure satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
2. Annual reports will track progress against strategic objectives, enabling ISNO to adjust its activities as needed.

8. Implementation Roadmap

The following timeline outlines key milestones for ISNO’s programs over the next three years.

Year 1: Foundation Building

1. Launch pilot programs in education, health, and economic empowerment.
2. Develop partnerships with donors and local organizations.
3. Conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns.

Year 2: Program Expansion

1. Expand successful pilot programs to additional provinces.
2. Increase the number of women trained and supported in business ventures.
3. Strengthen relationships with international donors and stakeholders.

Year 3 and Beyond: Sustainability and Advocacy

1. Establish long-term revenue-generating projects to fund operations.
2. Focus on policy advocacy to secure legislative reforms that protect women’s rights.
3. Scale up programs to reach more rural and underserved communities.

9. Risk Management and Contingency Plans

ISNO recognizes that working in Afghanistan comes with specific risks, including political instability, security challenges, and resource limitations. The organization has developed a risk management framework to address these challenges.

Risk Mitigation Strategies:

1. Security Protocols: Work closely with local authorities and international partners to ensure staff and beneficiary safety.
2. Diversification of Funding: Secure diverse funding sources to reduce dependency on any single donor.
3. Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with local communities to ensure program acceptance and support.