Women's Voice

NAPO staff members have been consistently conducting activities under the Women's Voice Project. The current season in Nepal is spring—a time for growth. As part of the project initiatives, 50 women have successfully planted and harvested green vegetables in greenhouses. Additionally, 50 women have planted seeds of summer vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, onion, capsicum, and zucchini in their greenhouses and yards. Sixteen women are cultivating oyster mushrooms, which are growing very well. These activities have provided the women with a modest income, helping them meet their families’ basic needs. The women involved in these initiatives have expressed increased confidence and pride in their ability to contribute to household expenses.

During the winter season, women received several trainings on climate change, climate-resilient agriculture, and the interrelated issues between climate change and gender. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, awareness programs were successfully conducted in local communities. These programs focused on raising awareness about child marriage, chaupadi (the practice of menstrual seclusion), domestic violence, gender-based violence, and caste discrimination—delivered through local song and dance competitions organized within women’s groups.

A weekly women's radio program has been broadcast from two local radio stations as part of the project. The episodes have featured discussions with invited experts on topics such as climate change and climate-resilient agriculture. The radio program has also served as a platform for women to raise their voices on critical social issues, including gender-based violence and menstrual hygiene management.

NAPO, with financial support from TEWA (Women’s Fund for Nepal), has conducted training sessions on climate change and climate-resilient agriculture for 300 women.

Looking ahead to the next quarter, the project will focus on:

·       Supporting women in summer vegetable cultivation and harvesting

·       Continuing to empower women through agricultural activities

·       Enhancing women's contributions to household and community resilience