Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance in Nepal
Volunteering Nepal
Introduction to the project
Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance in Nepal is a volunteer project to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. In Nepal, many women face barriers to starting their businesses, including poverty, lack of education, and social stigma. This project allows women to receive training, access to credit, and other support services to help them start and grow their businesses.
3 Statistics of Need
- According to the World Bank, only 12% of businesses in Nepal are owned by women.
- The average income for women in Nepal is 60% of men’s pay.
- Only 44% of women in Nepal have completed secondary education.
- In Nepal, women face significant challenges in accessing financial resources, with only 36% of women having access to formal financial services.
- Gender inequalities and cultural norms hinder women’s economic empowerment, limiting their access to financial resources and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Goals
The goals of the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance in Nepal project are to:
- Promote women’s entrepreneurship and support women-led businesses in Nepal.
- Increase access to microfinance services through women’s cooperatives for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
- Foster financial inclusion and empower women to achieve economic independence.
- Enhance women’s business management skills and provide mentorship opportunities.
- Drive sustainable economic development and poverty reduction.
- Improve the income and standard of living of women entrepreneurs.
- Promote gender equality in Nepal.
Link of the Project to The Sustainable Development Goals
The Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance in Nepal project is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
VIN’s Past Experience Working on the Project
Volunteering Nepal has worked on the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance / Microcredits in Nepal project for about two decades. In that time, we have helped thousands of women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. We have also worked to raise awareness about the importance of women’s entrepreneurship and to advocate for policies that support women’s access to credit and other financial services through the establishment of Women’s cooperatives.
Examples of activities you will do as a volunteer for this project
Volunteers will participate in one or more of the following actions while they are with us.
- Provide training to women entrepreneurs on business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Assist women in developing business plans and accessing microcredit services.
- Provide support services to women entrepreneurs, such as mentoring and networking opportunities.
- Organize networking events and business fairs to connect women entrepreneurs with potential customers and investors.
- Research women’s entrepreneurship in Nepal.
- Develop educational materials about women’s entrepreneurship.
- Offer financial literacy training to improve women’s financial management skills.
- Develop and deliver workshops on marketing, branding, and sales techniques for women-owned businesses.
- Collaborate with local financial institutions to streamline the microfinance application and approval processes for women.
- Support the creation of women’s entrepreneurship networks and peer support groups.
- Assist in monitoring and evaluating the impact of microfinance programs on women’s businesses.
- Support the work of local organisations that are working to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
Five impacts of this project on local communities in Nepal
- Increased number of women-owned businesses.
- Improved income and standard of living of women entrepreneurs.
- Increased economic opportunities for women, improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
- Enhanced financial literacy and management skills among women entrepreneurs.
- Strengthened women’s empowerment and agency, fostering gender equality and social inclusion.
- Development of a vibrant and resilient women-led business ecosystem in local communities.
- Contributing to sustainable economic growth and community development.
Relevant Skills, Education, and Requirements
- Background in business, entrepreneurship, finance, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
- Passion for women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with women entrepreneurs.
- Ability to adapt to the local culture and work in diverse communities.
- Open-mindedness, empathy, and respect for different perspectives.
- Willingness to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive volunteering environment.
- Willingness to learn
How will volunteers benefit from this project
As a volunteer in the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance program, you will benefit in various ways:
- Gain hands-on experience in supporting women’s entrepreneurship and microfinance initiatives.
- Develop valuable skills in business training, financial literacy, and mentorship.
- Expand your cultural understanding and enhance your cross-cultural communication skills.
- Make a tangible difference in women entrepreneurs’ and local communities’ lives.
- Build lasting connections with fellow volunteers, women entrepreneurs, and local organisations.
- The experience of working with a local organisation
- The satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to create a more just and equal world
Project Summary
The Women’s Entrepreneurship and Microfinance in Nepal project is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs in Nepal. By volunteering on this project, you can help increase the number of women-owned businesses, improve women entrepreneurs’ income and standard of living, and promote gender equality in Nepal.
Join us in creating a future where women entrepreneurs thrive, economic opportunities abound, and communities prosper.
