Women for Peace and Democracy (WPD) – Nepal

Seventy-five percent of program participants are involved in subsistence agriculture (paddy and vegetable farming; raising small animals). About ¾ of participants lack enough food for up to 6 months of the year. The nature of the terrain (soil fertility, slopes, etc.), availability of water, and farming techniques used are the major constraints responsible for low productivity. In most of these cases, off-season vegetable farming has the potential to provide a more reliable diet and income. This is a focus of training. High levels of illiteracy (92% for women, 65% for men) persist.

Most participants in WPD programming are born into lower caste or ethnic minority groups and experience systemic discrimination that limits their access to education and economic opportunities.

Socio-Economic Empowerment Program for Women & Marginalized Populations (SEWAM)

The SEWAM program supports agricultural production and micro-enterprise-based income generation through rural groups. Since the start of the project, WPD-Nepal has provided training in income generation, micro-credit, and support to strengthen Mutual Development Organizations. These local groups serve as sources for rotating credit, mutual support, and collective action for income generation and community development. They also coordinate advocacy with local governments and other service providers through which groups can also access land and services.