Enhancing Skills of Women and Workers Informal Economy for Employment: Harnessing the Potential of Green Transition: Towards Human-centered Recovery from Covid-19 RBSA Skills Project

November 30, 2023 - "ILO"

The Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) has been at the forefront of a transformative project aimed at enhancing the skills of women and workers in the informal economy for employment. The project, titled “Enhancing Skills of Women and Workers Informal Economy for Employment: Harnessing the Potential of Green Transition: Towards Human-centered Recovery from Covid-19 RBSA Skills Project,” was implemented from July 23 to November 23, 2023, with financial and technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Overview

The project was implemented in Koshi Province (Khotang and Solukhumbu districts) and Bagmati Province (Sindhupalchok district) of Nepal. It employed a work-based learning methodology, offering one-month training to 95 women and a Gender and Entrepreneurship Training (GET Ahead) for 45 women from among the 95. The project’s objectives were to provide training and work-based learning opportunities, ensure that participants receive opportunities to apply their skills and join the formal sector, and empower participants to start their own businesses to generate more employment in the future.

Activities and Achievements

The project activities included theoretical training, work-based learning, business development support, and post-training assistance. FWEAN oversaw project management, industry organization, and communication with ILO, guided by work-based learning guidelines from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

The project provided product development training to 95 women and entrepreneurship training to 45 women, empowering them to seize economic opportunities. It assisted participants in transitioning to the formal sector or entrepreneurship, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment. The project also enhanced collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, fostering an environment conducive to women’s economic empowerment.

Project Impact

The project had a significant impact on improving economic opportunities and livelihoods for women and workers in the informal economy, leading to enhanced living standards and social well-being. It advanced gender equality and social inclusion by empowering women to participate in economic activities and decision-making processes. Furthermore, it contributed to the development of a more resilient and inclusive economy in Nepal, in alignment with national development priorities and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

In conclusion, FWEAN’s project has demonstrated the power of skill development and entrepreneurship in empowering women and transforming communities. It serves as a beacon of hope and a model for similar initiatives aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency and gender equality.