NGO Involved: JEPC  |  Location: Pokhara, Kaski District

Project Period: 2016

Building Education had our first Women Empowerment Conference in February 2020 and it was a complete success.

The Conference first transpired after Founder, Wendy, and Vice President, Fiona conducted a Community Engagement Meeting where they met with mothers of the JEPC students. They found that while the women were mostly housewives and unemployed, they were eager to get involved and create a source of income for themselves.

They wanted to become empowered just like their children.

This began the preparation of the Women Empowerment Conference which hosted over 50+ women from Pragatitole.

During this 2-day Conference, the women learned a variety of things including Reproductive Health which is very needed in Nepal. Most women in Nepal are taught that the period is taboo and dirty which leads them to not caring for their menstruation in the proper ways. These unhealthy practices have caused many deaths in both Nepal and India.

Ashwin Karki from The Peace Pad Project taught about what a period really is and is now supporting many of the women in creating reusable, re-washable pads as a business.

The women also learned about Business Model Canvas from Dibyesh and Priyasha Giri who are Founders of Samartha Nepal.

In this workshop, the women learned business basics and worked in groups to create business ideas and plans on how to launch their entrepreneurship.

Since then, the women have started the beginning stages of a pickle business in which they will create a branded production line for distribution and selling.

The Conference also invited many famous and well-known Nepalese celebrities to speak and motivate such as Nirjala Tamraker, a famous national athlete of Nepal; Jassu Gurung, an actress and dancer; and Abha Sharma who was named a top female entrepreneur and director in Nepal.

Provincial Leader of Gandaki Province, Rajiv Pahari, made an appearance to congratulate and award the women with completion certificates towards the end of the event.

The Women Empowerment Conference has led to many great partnerships and support as Building Education is now partnering with local Nepalese organizations to support the women in starting businesses and becoming financially independent.