Safety and Opportunity for Women in Asia Project

June 15, 2020 - "TAF"


This project titled ‘Safety and Opportunity for Women in Asia’ is being implemented by Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) as part of the theme: “Accelerating Women’s Economic Advancement and Responding to Gender Based Violence in Asia During the COVID-19 Pandemic” under the grantee ship of The Asia Foundation (TAF)/ The Visa Foundation. This project is targeted for economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs, returnee women migrant workers, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) affected as a result of COVID-19 through several online trainings and activities like digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skill enhancement and development, developing virtual platform for marketing of goods and services produced by women entrepreneurs and promoting their business through e-commerce. Also, the project aims to disseminate the information on GBV, financial literacy, digital literacy etc., as well as enabling the targeted women to use social media tools and platforms for effective cross learning, sharing of knowledge and information.

The project is expected to strengthen women’s economic security and advancement by supporting women entrepreneurs, returnee women migrant workers, GBV victims and women working in the informal sector to improve their digital and financial literacy as well as start-up or grow their businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. The project also plans to support in promoting and marketing the businesses and products of the women entrepreneurs by capacitating them to use the online e-commerce and social media platforms. In order to support the returnee women migrant workers and GBV survivors to be economically empowered, the project envisages providing them with the necessary support, guidance and motivation in starting up a business on their own or transitioning their economic activity from the informal to the formal sector.   


Project Location

The geographical area covered by the project includes 11 districts, namely Jhapa, Morang, Ilam, Udayapur, Palpa, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu Banke, Kaski, Parbat and Sindhuli. They represent three provinces of Nepal, as such Province No.1, Bagmati Province and Lumbini Province.


Beneficiaries’ Background

The beneficiaries selected for this project represent three different organizations; FWEAN’s Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (WEAN) Chapters, Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) Nepal and Aaprawasi Mahila Kamdar Samuha (AMKAS) Nepal. Few of the beneficiaries do not hold membership to either of these organizations. The 120 beneficiaries selected for this project is composed of 60 WEAN Chapter members, 13 members from WOREC Nepal, 12 from AMKAS Nepal and remaining 35 are non-members who are not associated with any of these organizations. Here, members of the FWEAN represent the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who have their own business or enterprise and are affected by the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Beneficiaries from WOREC Nepal are the GBV victims or survivors and from the AMKAS Nepal include returnee women migrants. The rest non-members are selected in terms of inclusion, single women, economic vulnerability and potential women entrepreneurs. 


Donor’s Name: The Asia Foundation Through VISA Foundation  


About Donor: 

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote international cooperation.

Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation works through its network of offices in 18 Asian countries and in Washington, DC. Working with public and private partners, the Foundation receives funding from a diverse group of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. In 2020, TAF provided $78.6 million in direct program support and distributed textbooks and other educational materials valued at $5 million.


VISION

A peaceful, just, and thriving Asia.


MISSION

The Asia Foundation improves lives, expands opportunities, and helps societies flourish across a dynamic and developing Asia. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance pathbreaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.


VALUES

In an increasingly complex and changing world, we believe that a peaceful and engaged Asia is of critical global importance. These core values continue to define our work in the 21st century.

Deep respect for local context | We value local expertise and knowledge; we are immersed in the social, political, environmental, and economic realities where we work. Our approach is centered on the catalytic role that individuals, communities, and governments play in the development of their societies.

Inclusion of differing views | We believe in the importance of myriad views and perspectives; we encourage inclusive dialogue to help ensure everyone has a seat at the table. Our mission, people, and programs are defined by our commitment to equality, particularly for women and other marginalized populations.

Innovative, agile thinking | We value fresh, original ideas and we are known for our ability to identify and respond rapidly to issues and events affecting the places where we work. Our institutional culture encourages experimentation with new approaches and sharing the results through empirical research, expert analysis, collaboration with other organizations, and outreach.

Trust, accountability, and partnership | We value collaboration and believe that working closely with forward-thinking leaders can improve lives, governance, and policies. Our operations and programs reflect the integrity and dedication of our local and international staff of development professionals.

Longstanding presence and commitment | Since our founding in 1954, we have worked side by side with dedicated individuals and institutions to make history through far-reaching reforms and inclusive development. Our impact is grounded in our ability to combine a long-term, experienced perspective with our strong network and commitment to Asian progress.

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