Women’s Bank in Nepal

The first steps towards women’s social and economic equality in Nepal have already been taken.

Existing legislation, however, is implemented inconsistently, and women lack the knowledge and skills to uphold their rights. A third of the members of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly are now women, but their influence is weak, because they are often illiterate. More than half of Nepalese women contribute to the family income, but they may not make financial decisions or own land, and do not have access to vocational training.

Women’s Bank’s small loans give women access to education and enable them to set up small businesses and manage their personal finances. Small businesses are organised into local entrepreneur groups, and further into regional co-operatives. These in turn support new women entrepreneurs. 

Women’s economic independence brings more stability to the life of the whole family. The goal of Women’s Bank is to increase women’s safety and equality regardless of their origin and place of residence. Women’s stable livelihoods promote wellbeing and poverty reduction throughout society. In Women’s Bank’s projects, priority is given to the most vulnerable groups – also the projects in Nepal are implemented in remote areas and among minorities.