Na’amal, EqualReach, CGE and Robert Bosch Stiftung Join Forces to Prepare Displaced Communities for the Digital Economy

Na’amal and EqualReach have been awarded a grant to further our vision of a fairer, more inclusive digital economy. This new initiative, backed by the Robert Bosch Stiftung in partnership with Centre for Global Equality (CGE), is driven by a mission to help forcibly displaced people (FDPs) and their host communities unlock fair working conditions in the growing world of freelancing and remote jobs.

A Digital Revolution for the Displaced

Imagine a world where location doesn’t limit opportunity. For over 120 million forcibly displaced individuals, this dream is still out of reach. While remote work and freelancing are booming, FDPs often face tough barriers like access to market-relevant upskilling, platform access, and legal red tape.

“At Na’amal, we believe that talent knows no boundaries. By creating opportunities for forcibly displaced people in the digital economy, we are not just building livelihoods — we’re fostering hope, dignity, and resilience, while creating pathways to a more inclusive and equitable digital economy.”

Said Lorraine Charles, Founder and Executive Director of Na’amal. “

EqualReach’s Founder & CEO, Giselle, emphasizes,

“Our approach is rooted in peace through opportunity. Together, we’re piloting new ways to connect displaced and local communities with the access, skills, and support they need to unlock those opportunities.”

Robert Bosch Stiftung and CGE’s Support

This groundbreaking project wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Robert Bosch Stiftung. As a long-time advocate for social change, the foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusion and innovation aligns seamlessly with the core of this project. Their support empowers our advocacy for fair and equitable working conditions and inclusive hiring practices, our research on gender disparities and on the benefit of an inclusive digital economy for all stakeholders as well as education programs and peer to peer learning.

For this project, Robert Bosch Stiftung has partnered with CGE as the project oversight and implementation partner. CGE, a long-term supporter of Na’amal, shares a commitment to creating enabling environments and inclusive innovation — a mission that aligns closely with the broader goals of this collaboration. As part of their role, CGE will provide oversight and project management to ensure the initiative’s success.

Alex, CGE’s Cultivator Lead, shared:

“Just as CGE bridges the gap between research, innovation and tangible impact, this project is forging new pathways between refugee upskilling and the private sector. We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative and can’t wait to see the meaningful outcomes of this collaboration.”

What’s the Plan?

The initiative is packed with bold ideas to make a real difference:

• Market-Relevant Certification: Teaming up with a global institution, Na’amal will launch a certification program designed to not only provide participants with globally recognized credentials but also equip them with the critical technical and soft skills needed to succeed in remote work environments. The program will focus on real-world application, fostering job readiness and confidence among forcibly displaced individuals.
• Mentorship That Matters: Corporate partners will mentor participants, helping them build real-world expertise and prepare for career success.
• Cutting-Edge Research: The project will conduct in-depth studies to explore gender disparities in digital skills acquisition and employment among forcibly displaced populations. It will investigate barriers and enablers affecting women’s participation in training programs and job opportunities, aiming to uncover actionable insights for designing more inclusive interventions. This research will guide improvements in program accessibility, gender-responsive advocacy strategies, and tailored employment models that bridge the gap for underrepresented groups.
• Advocacy with Impact: By rallying the private sector and other relevant stakeholders, the project will make the case for hiring FDPs and foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
• Tracking Success: EqualReach will develop tools to measure the social and business impact of hiring FDPs, proving that inclusion isn’t just ethical — it’s smart business.

Standing Out from the Crowd

What makes this project different? Many programs train displaced individuals but leave them stranded when it’s time to find work. This initiative showcases how to bridge that gap by creating direct pathways from training to employment, with a support system to match.

Most importantly, it connects two worlds that often remained siloed; the private and development sectors. By addressing a humanitarian challenge with a market-based solution, EqualReach and Na’amal are demonstrating a sustainable model rooted in research, where talent from displaced communities can access dignified, sustainable work.

The Bigger Picture

The project aims to empower 600 people, with a special focus on gender parity, providing:

• Real skills for real jobs.
• Stronger networks and mentorship opportunities.
• A blueprint for other organizations to follow.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about work — it’s about dignity and opportunity. By proving that displaced talent is an asset, the initiative hopes to inspire companies worldwide to rethink how they source talent.

Stay tuned for updates and join the movement by following Na’amal on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.