Women's Training for Economic Independence

Building the Foundation for Cyclone Valley - A New Economic Future for Women: Project Report – Employment & Technology Center for Women (Cyclone Valley)

IRC Africa, in partnership with TERATANY
Ambovombe, Southern Madagascar

Summary

Following the establishment of the first women’s shelter in Madagascar in January 2025, we identified a broader and deeper need:

Women in Southern Madagascar do not only need protection - they need economic opportunity.

Cyclone Valley was created to address this need.

It is designed as an employment, entrepreneurship, and technology training center for women, serving the wider community, not only survivors of violence.

During this reporting period, we focused on building the foundation for implementation.

Key Progress

During this period, several significant steps were taken:

• Expansion of the project’s international board to strengthen governance and strategic capacity

• Full development and consolidation of the project concept and structure

• Submission of an application for charitable fundraising registration in California (currently under review)

• Registration on Candid, the leading platform for nonprofit transparency and donor research

• Progress toward completion of the curriculum for the Young Women’s Track (high school graduates)

The project is planned to be located in Ambovombe, Southern Madagascar.
At this stage, no specific physical facility has yet been secured.

Project Vision

Cyclone Valley is designed to serve two primary groups:

• Mothers seeking to increase income and achieve economic stability

• Young women (high school graduates) seeking access to technology, skills, and global opportunities

This is a forward-looking initiative focused on economic independence, resilience, and long-term transformation.

Why This Project Is Critical

In Southern Madagascar:

• Economic opportunities for women are extremely limited

• Many women lack access to education, skills, and a stable income

• Poverty increases vulnerability and limits long-term mobility

Cyclone Valley is designed to address root causes - not only symptoms.

Budget & Funding Status

A formal Year 1 budget has been established.

However, securing full funding will take time.

At this stage, early support is critical.

Every contribution made now directly advances:

• Final planning and preparation

• Curriculum development

• Initial groundwork toward implementation

Challenges

• The project is not yet fully funded

• Infrastructure constraints in the region

• Need for continued partnership development

• Time required to secure regulatory approvals and funding

Looking Ahead

The next phase will focus on:

• Securing initial funding commitments

• Completing curriculum development

• Identifying and preparing a physical site in Ambovombe

• Launching initial pilot activities

Call to Action

Cyclone Valley is an investment in women’s economic independence.

This is not only about creating jobs - it is about creating opportunity where none currently exists.

Early support is critical.

Every contribution helps turn planning into reality.

We are pleased to share that we have completed the full, comprehensive, and detailed program plan for the Women’s Employment Center in Southern Madagascar. As part of this work, we also updated all project content and refined the required budget in accordance with the expanded program model and the insights gained during the planning phase.

In recent months, we established a professional advisory board of international volunteers who will closely accompany the project, both during the preparation phase and throughout its ongoing implementation. This board was created to ensure high-quality planning, professional oversight, full transparency, and strong operational standards.

Attached below is the executive summary, outlining the project vision, the two training tracks, the expected impact on women and young women in Southern Madagascar, and the operational framework that will guide the project from day one.

Thank you for your continued trust and support, which enables us to move forward with this important milestone.