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Women’s center in Nepal promotes holistic resilient livelihoods model

Kopila Valley Women’s Center

Honoree

Representative Name: Katy Munden Hays

Year: 2023

Country:

Nepal

Topics:

BiodiversityBusinessEntrepreneurshipHealthy EcosystemsSustainable Livelihoods

Region:

Asia-Pacific

About

Since 2013, Kopila Valley Women’s Center has uplifted 1,280 rural women towards financial autonomy and climate adaptation in the Karnali region through a holistic, ecological and rights-based model. The centre offers technical skills training in eco-friendly building techniques, electricity and organic farming, market access and financial literacy education, self-confidence and mental-health counselling, gender equality and human-rights awareness. Partnering with other organizations and local authorities, the program provides safe and supportive social net- works for trainees. To encourage women’s entrepreneurship, the centre initiated a start-up loans scheme with low interest-rates. 87 % of the centre’s beneficiaries reported gaining confidence and new skills.

Climate impact

  • Uses Compressed Stabilized Earth Bricks (CSEB), that reduce CO2 emissions by 75 %, and make better insulated, disaster resistant homes.
  • Organic farming practices provide climate adapted livelihoods and food security, while protecting biodiversity.

Gender impact

  • Women acquire new skills and self-confidence to access employment.
  • Loan scheme and support network enable women to start their own business.
  • The program challenges traditional gender roles and uplifts women from isolation and GBV.

Scalability/replicability

  • Promotes skills and knowledge sharing with other organizations and throughout the community.
  • Sustainable, holistic and rights-based approach has ensured growing success and new partnerships over the years.
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