1. Executive Summary
In a transformative effort to promote gender equality in the digital economy, SayPro (SayPro International), in partnership with Accenture South Africa, has launched a groundbreaking Graphic Design Training Program targeting 50 women from underserved communities. This initiative seeks to equip women—particularly those who are unemployed, underemployed, or previously excluded from the creative economy—with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed as graphic designers, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs.
The training program is part of a broader commitment by both organizations to drive inclusive digital empowerment, focusing on female-led economic recovery, financial independence, and creative self-expression in South Africa.
2. Background and Justification
2.1 Gender Inequality in the Digital Economy
Despite progress in gender rights, women in South Africa remain significantly underrepresented in many technical and creative fields. Key challenges include:
- Disproportionate unemployment and underemployment
- Barriers to access in male-dominated tech and design sectors
- Cultural and systemic exclusion from digital opportunities
- Limited female mentorship and role models in the creative industry
Women in low-income communities often face multiple layers of marginalization, including lack of access to computers, the internet, safe learning environments, and supportive networks.
2.2 The Power of Design as a Gender Equity Tool
Graphic design offers women a means to:
- Enter the digital economy without needing a formal degree
- Express social and cultural narratives visually
- Serve local businesses and NGOs with creative services
- Work flexibly, including from home, which supports caregiving responsibilities
- Build personal brands and start freelance or micro-enterprises
3. About the Partner Organizations
3.1 SayPro (SayPro International)
SayPro is a pan-African nonprofit and youth development organization that works to uplift vulnerable groups through:
- Accredited training and digital literacy programs
- Women’s empowerment initiatives
- Access to learning and employment pathways
- Civic and community development efforts
SayPro has specific experience supporting women-led enterprises, GBV survivors, unemployed young mothers, and others through skills training and advocacy.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global consulting and professional services firm committed to building a more equal and inclusive world. Through its Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture:
- Supports youth and women in gaining future-ready skills
- Funds innovative grassroots training programs
- Helps participants access job opportunities and entrepreneurship pathways
- Promotes diversity in creative and technology sectors
4. Program Objectives and Purpose
4.1 Purpose
To create equitable access for women in the digital creative economy by delivering high-quality, practical training in graphic design and related digital skills.
4.2 Core Objectives
- Train 50 women in industry-standard graphic design tools and principles
- Support participants in building professional digital portfolios
- Promote entrepreneurship, remote work, and freelancing as career options
- Increase women’s self-reliance, visibility, and representation in design sectors
- Foster a supportive women-centered creative network
5. Target Beneficiaries
Eligibility Criteria
- Women aged 18–45
- Residing in underserved urban, township, or rural communities
- Unemployed, underemployed, or economically vulnerable
- Basic literacy and passion for creativity or visual communication
- Priority given to:
- Single mothers
- Survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)
- Women with disabilities
- Young women not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
Geographic Areas
The program will be rolled out in:
- Johannesburg (Soweto, Alexandra, Diepsloot)
- Cape Town (Khayelitsha, Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain)
- Durban (Umlazi, KwaMashu)
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) (Zwide, New Brighton)
- Limpopo and Mpumalanga (rural villages and peri-urban centers)
6. Training Program Structure
6.1 Duration and Format
- Program Length: 12 weeks
- Delivery Format: Blended (in-person workshops + online support)
- Sessions: 3 core training sessions per week + 1 mentorship check-in
- Total Learning Time: 120–150 hours
6.2 Delivery Approach
- Classes facilitated in safe, accessible, women-friendly spaces
- Mobile digital labs for remote areas
- Peer learning circles to encourage collaboration and support
- Trauma-informed facilitation for GBV survivors and vulnerable women
7. Curriculum Breakdown
Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
- Elements and principles of design
- Color, typography, and layout
- Storytelling through visuals and symbolism
Module 2: Tools and Technology
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator: industry-grade tools for design
- Canva & Figma: accessible tools for rapid content creation
- Offline tools: for areas with limited internet access (GIMP, Inkscape)
Module 3: Branding and Communication
- Designing for social causes, businesses, and NGOs
- Building brand identity, logos, flyers, and brochures
- Crafting messages through design for community impact
Module 4: Portfolio Development
- Creating a professional digital portfolio
- Showcasing projects completed during training
- Using platforms like Behance, LinkedIn, or personal websites
Module 5: Freelance and Business Development
- Pricing, pitching, and managing clients
- Building a personal brand and online presence
- Introduction to freelance platforms (Fiverr, Upwork)
- Exploring cooperative models and micro-enterprises
8. Support Services for Participants
8.1 Technical Support
- Access to computers, internet, and software
- Equipment lending program for at-home learning
- Printed guides and multilingual learning materials
8.2 Social Support
- Safe transport stipends
- Childcare support options where available
- Trauma-informed coaching and mental wellness workshops
- GBV response referrals and community safety liaisons
8.3 Mentorship and Peer Learning
- Weekly mentorship from women designers and entrepreneurs
- Online and offline support groups
- Role model talks from female leaders in tech and design
9. Certification and Graduation
Upon completing the program, participants receive:
- Co-branded Certificate of Completion (SayPro & Accenture)
- Digital portfolio to share with clients or employers
- Invitation to SayPro Women in Design Showcase
- Feature in SayPro’s “She Designs” campaign
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Outcomes
10.1 Tracking and Evaluation Tools
- Baseline and endline assessments
- Progress tracking via assignments and practical tests
- Surveys, mentor evaluations, and participant reflections
10.2 Key Performance Indicators
- 50 women trained and certified
- 40 digital portfolios created
- 30 women earning income through design within 6 months
- Increased confidence, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship
11. Expected Impact
Short-Term Impact
- Immediate skill acquisition in graphic design
- Enhanced job and freelance readiness
- Greater self-esteem and economic agency among women
Medium-Term Impact
- Increased visibility of women in creative industries
- More women running micro-enterprises in design and marketing
- Development of a national SayPro Women in Design Network
Long-Term Impact
- Shifting gender norms in tech and design fields
- Supporting economic recovery and family resilience
- Inspiring a generation of women creatives and digital changemakers
12. Testimonials (Anticipated)
“I never believed I could become a designer. Now I’m doing social media graphics for local businesses and earning money to support my kids.”
– Thuli, 28, Diepsloot
“This program gave me back my confidence after surviving abuse. I found healing in creating and expressing myself.”
– Nosipho, 33, Durban
“SayPro and Accenture helped me discover a talent I didn’t know I had. Now I want to teach other girls how to design.”
– Amanda, 22, Khayelitsha
13. Opportunities for Collaboration
SayPro and Accenture welcome collaboration from:
- Women-led design agencies for mentorship, internships, and briefs
- Corporate CSR programs supporting gender equity
- Development partners working in economic empowerment or GBV
- Technology companies offering software donations or training support
- Local governments and municipalities aiming to empower women through skills
14. Sustainability and Next Steps
14.1 Post-Program Support
- Access to SayPro’s alumni learning platform
- Continued mentorship and client-matching
- Business incubation and start-up support for women-run design ventures
14.2 Expansion Strategy
- Replication in 20 new communities annually
- Training 500+ women across South Africa by 2026
- Establishing a national SayPro Women’s Design Cooperative
15. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Graphic Design Program for Women represents a powerful step forward in bridging the digital gender divide, fostering creative entrepreneurship, and unlocking the leadership potential of women in South Africa. By investing in women, we’re not only transforming individual lives—we’re changing families, communities, and the creative economy itself.
Empowered women design a better world.
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