Introduction
Since 2008, the MSBKN has completed four phases of its programs and currently implementing activities under its fifth phase. It has been a great humbling learning experience so far. The past nine years were focused on bringing rural women at the ward level together and empower them from social, political and economic aspect by providing training on various areas to enhance their capacity such as on leadership development, appreciative inquiry, gender equality, domestic violence against women, civic education, women’s rights and income generating activities.
The new local level restructuring under Federal set-up by the Government of Nepal, the MSBKN is working in 14 Municipalities and 18 Village Councils in 12 districts namely Dadeldhura, Doti, Rupendehi, Kapilvastu, Kavrepalanchok, Dolakha, Lamjung, Tanahu, Lalitpur, Sindhupalchok, Panchthar and Taplung. The total number of 13,654 rural women from these working districts are associated with MSBKN through 505 Village Women’s Group formed in ward level. Out of 505, the total number of 479 VWGs are associated with Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) of MSBKN under which, the MSBKN provides matching funds for income generating activities.
Women all over have lower socio-economic-political-cultural status than men in Nepal; however, the condition of rural women is even more critical. MSBKN believes that, the concept on women as weaker-sex and subordinate to the man can be changed through the involvement of women in decision making level and working in the area as equals to men. Therefore, here lies the need of leadership development of women.
MSBKN feels that in order to change the status of women in rural women, creating awareness and developing their potential is the first step. The training program has helped women of rural areas develop confidence and increased their interest in public arena. Furthermore, these types of program have deepened women's understanding and participation in local development processes. Many women share that they are now critically aware of their worth and dignity and can speak up for their rights.
MSBKN has already trained more than 39,670 women from capacity enhancement training; 12,655 rural women economically empowered from Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) and 2160 have been selected as potential leaders to enhance their capacities in political arena through empowerment activities.
MSBKN is now working towards developing strategies and programs for the sustainability of its efforts in the working areas.
