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Projects 
Empowering Women Through Forest Solutions: A Path to Economic Resilience in Nepal
In regions where natural resources like forests are integral to livelihoods, integrating gender equality into environmental and economic development is a key driver for creating sustainable futures. One such remarkable initiative is a 30-month action research project focused on supporting women’s economic empowerment in both rural and urban municipalities of Nepal. It was funded by the International Development Research Center (IDRC), Canada, and implemented by Forest Action Nepal in collaboration with HIMAWANTI Nepal, FenFit, and AFFON.
The project was designed with the goal of enhancing the economic resilience of women, particularly in the face of challenges posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative leverages low-carbon, forest-based, and nature-based entrepreneurial solutions to empower women. The overall objective of the project is to generate evidence-based knowledge for women’s economic empowerment through low carbon, forest and nature-based entrepreneurial solutions that enhance women’s resilience against climate change and COVID-19.
The project was implemented by AFFON across both rural and urban municipalities in two districts of Nepal: Nawalpur and Sindhupalchok. Specifically, the project focused on two rural municipalities and two urban municipalities within these districts, aiming to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in both rural and urban settings. Rural municipalities were selected because they are often more directly connected to forest resources, making them ideal for implementing nature-based solutions. On the other hand, urban municipalities were included to explore how women in more urbanized settings can benefit from forest-based businesses and initiatives. The project aimed to create a comprehensive model for empowering women, one that could be adapted to various local conditions while fostering the growth of forest-based businesses. The project targeted a wide range of women, including those in rural areas, who faced different but equally important barriers to economic development.
Through this project, women in Nepal are discovering avenues for economic independence and leadership. Whether in the forests of Nawalpur or the urban areas of Sindhupalchok, women are taking an active role in forest management, establishing businesses, and driving positive change in their communities. The combination of environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment is paving the way for a more resilient and equitable future in Nepal.
The “Empowering Women Through Forest Solutions” project is more than just a set of policies or initiatives. It is a movement that empowers women to take charge of their futures, fosters resilience in the face of adversity, and creates sustainable, community-driven economic solutions. As women continue to lead the way in forest-based businesses, they are proving that when gender equality and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, the results are transformative.