In the rural context of Nepal, women are economically dependent on a men which is one of the major reasons behind women's lower status in family, society and country. Women's lack of access to resources /property and money/credit make them poor and vulnerable in different situations. As MSBKN's program execution is based on the research and assessment of targeted community's needs and aspirations, MSBKN commenced Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) activities from 2009 considering the consistent demand from the target group.
Hence, MSBKN attempted to support the economic condition of poor women by providing seed money to the individual and also by investing for group initiatives.
EEP is running in all working districts of MSBKN. Initially six districts were chosen for funding under EEP and categorized as 1st batch and later funding were provided to remaining six district and categorized as 2nd batch.
1st batch districts are: Panchthar, Dadeldhura, Tanahu, Kapilvastu, Lalitpur, and Kavre.
2nd batch districts are: Taplejung, Doti, Lamjung, Rupendehi, Sindhupalchok and Dolakha.
The Village Women’s Groups (VWGs) who have been benefitted from EEP programs are engaged in various income generating activities of their interest such as vegetable farming, goat/pig farming, poultry, tailoring, retail shop, ginger candy, Jhilinga, Chiraito (herb medicine tree), cardamom nursery, incense making, necklace making.
In November, 2017, the MSBKN provided additional funds of NRs 10,000,000.00 which was distributed to all 12 districts benefiting of total 12,468 rural women, associated with 485 Village Women's Group.
A complete details of matching funds by MSBKN and self collection by VWGs and its status as on September 30, 2019 is as follows:
Matching Funds by MSBKN: Nrs 30,000,000
Self-collection by VWGs: Nrs 29,269,565
Accumulated Funds : Nrs 59,269,565 (Matching + self-collection)
Present fund position with interest earned: Nrs 81,441,493
Total members involved: 12,468 from 485 VWGs
Please contact MSBKN if you need in-depth details on beneficiaries of Economic Empowerment Programs.
