Description

A four-month pilot project ‘Revitalizing Women’s Business Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic’ designed to support micro, small and medium women entrepreneurs cope from the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and set a base for disaster preparedness and economic recovery and resilience was concluded by organizing a “Learning Sharing and Closing Program” today 21 September 2020. This online project has been implemented by the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) since June 2020 with the support of Enterprise for Management, Economic Reforms and Gender Equality (EMERGE) as knowledge partner and Thulo. com as technical partner. This project was made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Tayar Nepal project.

Government representatives from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MOWCSC), FWEAN representatives from the Executive Committee, WEAN Cooperative representative, Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (WEAN) Chapter Presidents from Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and WEAN Presidents representing the 7 provinces of  Nepal, representatives of Tayar Nepal, EMERGE, Thulo.com, media representatives and FWEAN staff were present during this program. The program was organized with the objective of informing and sharing about the achievements of the project and to seek support for women entrepreneurs affected by the pandemic.

The participants were welcomed by Ms. Reeta Simha, President of FWEAN who highlighted the harsh impact of COVID-19 on women entrepreneurs and their businesses. A presentation about the project and its outcomes was made by Ms. Darshana Shrestha. During the session Joint Secretary from MOF, Mr. Yam lal Bhusal highlighted that the project was very inspirational and all the activities carried out were helpful to the women entrepreneurs. He also emphasized that the ministry is always there to help and support FWEAN and the women entrepreneurs. Likewise, Under Secretary from MOICS Ms. Pradarsanie Kumari, also pointed that the digital literacy trainings should be provided to the women entrepreneurs at the rural level so that their skills and products would get a better place in the market. She also shared her willingness to support women entrepreneurs and FWEAN. Chief Women Development Officer from MOWCSC, Ms. Anju Dhungana was happy to hear the achievement of the project and she also shared different programs and activities designed and planned by the ministry for the development and welfare of the women entrepreneurs. The Chief of Party from Tayar Nepal, Ms. Tammie Harris congratulated FWEAN and its partner EMERGE and Thulo. com for the completion and achievements of the project. She also hoped in continuing this partnership in the future as well.  

The program was ended by Ms. Neeru Rayamajhi Khatri-1st vice president of FWEAN, who expressed her gratitude to all present in the program and those who supported directly and indirectly in this project.