Given a chance, women-led microenterprises uplift Nepali communities & conservation
NAYA PADAMPUR, Nepal — A spinning wheel whirs on a rooftop in Naya Padampur in south-central Nepal, sending ivory strands of yarn through Bin Maya Gurung’s practiced fingers. Smile lines crinkle at the corners of her eyes as she works. Her limbs move in synchrony with the wheel, both integral parts of the machine that […]
Naya Padampur, Nepal is home to a spinning wheel that creates wool yarn, operated by Bin Maya Gurung. Her practiced fingers synchronize with the wheel, enabling her family's well-being. This enterprise is part of a growing trend of women-led microenterprises in rural Nepal, which have emerged over the past few decades as regulations and norms shift.
According to a 2022 study in Parbat district, 96% of women in microenterprises feel confident supporting their families with their earnings. These enterprises serve a dual purpose: providing alternative income to rural families, reducing their dependence on forest products like timber, and fostering conservation efforts. Successful women-led microenterprises create a symbiotic relationship between land and community, promoting both local income generation and women's empowerment.
This trend is reflective of a global recognition of the value of women's involvement in both forest conservation and economic development.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
