Gender Equality Nepal Project #56957

Empower Nepali Women with Entrepreneurship Skills

by Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF)

Project Report | Mar 5, 2025
100 young adults (92 women and 8 men) received greenhouse vegetable production training!

By Nepal Youth Foundation | Project Leader

Nepal is rapidly building its infrastructure—expanding roads, electrical grids, internet access, running water in rural homes, earthquake-safe housing, and higher-yield agriculture. Nepal’s young people are eager to take part in shaping this bright future. Careers in these fields are in high demand, well-paid, and a source of great pride for individuals, families, and communities. However, for many, the only barrier between them and a promising career is a lack of the necessary skills—and no way to acquire them.

NYF is addressing this gap through initiatives like the SAAET Project (Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Training)—a one-month, greenhouse-based agricultural program designed to empower women and strengthen Nepal’s lucrative vegetable trade in the southern plains.

This past year, 100 young adults (92 women and 8 men) received greenhouse vegetable production training and start-up support through the SAAET Project.

One of these graduates, 25-year-old Surabhi*, a young mom, now proudly gives tours of her greenhouse. Built with readily available materials like bamboo, these greenhouses integrate modern agricultural science with accessible, scalable techniques. By establishing off-season vegetable farms with a minimal footprint, women in remote villages are transforming their livelihoods.

Although agriculture is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, traditional farming methods often yield far less than what is possible with modern techniques. They also tend to overuse harmful fertilizers and pesticides. The SAAET Project is changing this reality. Graduates quickly report that land that once barely produced enough food for their families is now yielding surplus crops. After feeding their children, many are selling truckloads of fresh produce in nearby towns.

NYF’s field staff have observed a significant improvement in nutrition across these villages, as a greater variety of high-quality vegetables makes its way into local diets. Graduates are eager to share their knowledge, and within just a few years, these villages are evolving into bustling agricultural hubs.

None of this would be possible without your generosity. Your support is equipping young people and families with the tools they need to build brighter, more sustainable futures. Thank you for investing in their success and in Nepal’s future.

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individuals we work with.

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Nov 7, 2024
Community Learning Centers to bring trainings to Dalit women!

By Nepal Youth Foundation | Project Leader

Inauguration of Community Learning Centers!

NYF has made significant strides in empowering Nepali women in 2023-2024 by establishing two Community Learning Centers in the Dalit communities of Saptari District as part of the Caste Equality Project. These multi-purpose centers are integral to fostering education and empowerment for women and youth. The centers serve as hubs for vocational training, bridging courses for school re-entry, adult literacy programs, and women’s empowerment meetings.

In these centers, young women are receiving training tailored to their interests and aptitudes. This training includes fields such as industrial tailoring, carpentry, welding, motorcycle mechanics, and JCB operation. Eight participants have already completed these vocational programs, gaining practical skills to help them secure well-paying local employment or start their own businesses.

Why This Matters

The challenges faced by Nepali women, especially in marginalized Dalit communities, are deeply entrenched and interwoven with various aspects of life, including educational access, economic opportunities, and social norms. By creating safe, education-focused environments and facilitating skill-building workshops, NYF ensures that women gain the support they need to achieve economic freedom and break generational cycles of poverty. These centers are also essential for offering resources such as psychological counseling, peer support programs, and job placement assistance.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to expand the scope of this project, NYF plans to establish additional Community Learning Centers that will host programs like entrepreneurship training, job readiness workshops, and cooperative meetings for women. Each center aims to foster an environment where women can come together, learn, and grow, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more inclusive local economy.

Thank You, Donors!

Your generous support is at the heart of these transformative initiatives. By contributing to this project, you are helping create pathways for Nepali women to achieve economic independence and strengthen their communities. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey toward empowerment and progress.

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Jul 15, 2024
Industrial Tailoring Students at Olgapuri Vocational School Make School Uniforms!

By Nepal Youth Foundation | Project Leader

NYF is fueling a massive back-to-school push this spring in Saptari District, providing 670 children with uniforms, shoes, and school supplies. These uniforms were created by Olgapuri Vocational School Industrial Tailoring students, allowing them to hone their new career skills while making some extra money (NYF is paying on-the-job training wages for these items)!

In 2024, NYF’s Industrial Tailoring course continues to be a very popular option for women, including many former kamlaris. The clothing industry is one of Nepal's largest exports, with the job market in this sector rapidly expanding. Careers in Industrial Tailoring offer stability, good pay, and opportunities for growth and flexibility.

We’re thrilled to share that the talented students currently enrolled in the course are supporting NYF’s efforts to advance educational equity in Saptari District by helping to create the much-needed school uniforms! Students are practicing their new skills by lovingly preparing structured shirts, jackets, skirts, slacks, and neckties for boys and girls in a variety of sizes—all while receiving an additional income!

Graduates of the Industrial Tailoring program have been supporting the process by fine-tuning the final products created by their peers. These graduates are earning a higher rate than they would at the factories they work for! The assignment is perfect for refining important tailoring skills that they’ll need in their new careers, while also earning a living wage through this special project. They’re creating a total of 670 sets of uniforms for the children in Saptari District to wear on the first day of school.

This project not only equips children with the essentials for their education but also fosters entrepreneurship among the women involved. The Industrail Tailoring program empowers single mothers, survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and women who have escaped trafficking to start their own businesses while providing them with a pathway to financial independence and a brighter future.

Thank you to our generous donors for making all of this possible. Your support allows us to promote economic empowerment for women in Nepal while offering remarkable opportunities like these! Dhanyabad!

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