Enhancing Disaster Resilience in Women-Led Businesses
January 31, 2024 - "USAID"Project Background:
The Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) successfully carried out the “Improving Disaster Resilience among Women-led Businesses” project from June 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, with financial backing from USAID and Tayar Nepal. The project aimed to strengthen the resilience of women entrepreneurs in the floriculture and homestay sectors in Bhimeshwor Municipality of Dolakha district in Bagmati Province, and Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya district in Lumbini province.
The project adopted a structured approach, conducting 15-day training sessions divided into five phases, each lasting three days. A total of 45 participants benefited from the program, with 15 individuals receiving training in the floriculture business in Bhimeshwor Municipality, and another 30 participants (15 each) undergoing homestay business training in Rajapur and Bhimeshwor municipalities.
This initiative highlights the commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their ability to effectively withstand and recover from disasters.
Activities Conducted Under the Project:
1. Inception Meeting
The inception meeting for the “Improving Disaster Resilience among Women-led Businesses” project, financially supported by USAID and implemented by Tayar Nepal in collaboration with FWEAN, was successfully held in Bhimeshwor Municipality of Dolakha and Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya district on June 23 and 27, respectively. The meeting, led by FWEAN, provided comprehensive insights into the project’s objectives, activities, and budget allocations. Attended by key figures including mayors, deputy mayors, chief executive officers, ward presidents, and various stakeholders from the respective municipalities, the meeting fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
2. Homestay Training
As part of a transformative initiative, a total of 15 participants from the Thami community and other marginalized groups engaged in homestay training within Bhimeshwor Municipality. Another 15 individuals from the Tharu and Sonaha communities participated in similar training in Rajapur Municipality. Following their training, women from these communities have enthusiastically begun operating homestay businesses. The training program included a one-day cooking session tailored to meet the demands of previous guests in their homestays. To foster market connections, the Community Homestay Network has proactively promoted these homestays through their dedicated website and social media platforms.
3. Floriculture Training
In an effort to enhance disaster resilience among women-led businesses, a meticulously crafted floriculture training program was conducted for the benefit of 15 aspiring women entrepreneurs from Bhimeshwor municipality of Dolakha. The program, spanning five phases, each lasting three days, aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the floriculture industry. The training focused on cultivating high-value flowers, including orchids, carnations, cymbidiums, gerberas, among others, recognizing their potential for economic stability and growth. Facilitated by seasoned experts, the sessions seamlessly integrated theoretical insights with practical applications.
4. Exposure Visit
As part of the project, FWEAN organized a transformative three-day exposure visit for participants from Bhimeshwor Municipality. During this visit, participants delved into the intricacies of the floriculture business, starting with observations at various flower nurseries in Godawari. They closely examined the orchid nursery and gained insights into the process of nurturing saplings into exquisite floral arrangements. The journey culminated in visits to two distinct exhibitions hosted by the Floriculture Association Nepal at Tripureshwor and the Nursery Association Nepal in Jawalakhel, providing participants with firsthand experiences and networking opportunities in the flourishing floriculture sector.
5. Project Closing Workshop
As part of the initiative to enhance disaster resilience among women-led businesses, FWEAN organized closing workshops in Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya and Bhimeshwor Municipality of Dolakha District on December 19 and 24, respectively. These workshops served as platforms for sharing crucial project details, including budget allocations, planned activities, and insights into opportunities, challenges, and achievements with stakeholders and local government representatives. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, these gatherings aimed to strengthen community engagement and empower women entrepreneurs to effectively navigate and mitigate disaster-related adversities.