Club member Claire self-funded the trip of a lifetime to trek in the Himalayas. The challenge was to summit Mera Peak at 6,476m – the highest trekking peak in Nepal, from where she was able to see a vista of mountains (including Everest) that she will never forget. During the 14-day trek she walked for 7 hours per day, slept in teahouses and felt temperatures of -25 deg C. An amazing opportunity to fully immerse in Nepali culture.
Whilst in Nepal Claire took the opportunity to visit a charity which she believes will make a difference to the lives of Women and Girls in rural Nepal – RUWON Nepal Sewing and Tailoring Program.
RUWON Nepal Sewing and Tailoring Program
In August 2022, RUWON Nepal set up a free Sewing and Tailoring training program for underprivileged women from rural areas to learn the skills necessary to become experienced tailors and seamstresses.
The sewing training program can teach 14 at-risk women at a time how to become skilled seamstresses. The training lasts for a total of 6 months and after the program is completed, they will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
The women will then be able to use this certificate and skill set to secure employment, or start their own business. This will provide them with a valuable life skill, artistic expression, and a strong sense of independence. This free education empowers women and positions them to have greater potential to earn a living and support their families.
To date there have been 3 cohorts of trainees – that is 42 women who have gained skills to empower their lives.
RUWON Nepal has set up the program with funding from a mixture of sources, but needs additional funding to allow the program to continue. A training course costs about £3,300 (£235 per student).
Fundraising for Ruwon
We are delighted to say Claire has successfully raised the funds needed for a full cohort. Funds were raised through a GoFundMe – a celebration of her walk. She also held a soup and cake lunch on International Women’s day. Claire has also given a number talks about her experience. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and were delighted when the course staeted on International Women’s Day 2024.
Gender Equality and Poverty for women in Nepal
Nepal is a patriarchal society where women and girls are treated as subordinates. Despite improvements in Nepali governance, the status of women in Nepal remains very poor in terms of health, education, income, decision-making, and access to policy making. Patriarchal practices, which control these women’s lives, are reinforced by the legal system. Women face systematic discrimination, particularly in rural areas. Literacy rates are substantially lower than men, and women work longer hours. Early marriage and violence against women is still common.
RUWON Nepal
RUWON Nepal, Rural Women’s Network, is a Women’s organisation that has been working hard to improve the condition of marginalised girls and women in rural Nepal since 2007.
RUWON Nepal strives to contribute to the economic and social development of the country at local, national and international levels by helping grassroots women and marginalised people through networking, empowerment, education and shelter.
RUWON Nepal has the special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is the highest status granted by the United Nations to non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), thereby allowing them to participate in the work of the United Nations.