At dawn in Belauri Municipality, northeastern Nepal, the rustle of vegetable leaves and the hum of water pumps signal the start of another productive day for Nisha Devi Chaudhary. Once dependent on her husband’s migrant remittances, she now grows seasonal vegetables like cabbage, chilies and tomatoes on her family’s land, which spans about 1,000 square metres.After completing a vocational training in vegetable farming supported by the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme, she gained new agricultural skills, access to organic inputs and market information. Today, she earns USD 260 to 300 per month, an increase in income after EWPN’s intervention. She is now planning to lease more land to expand her farm.“I no longer wait for money to come from abroad. I am earning with my own hands and feeding my family with what I grow,” she says, standing proudly next to her in-progress tunnel farm, partially funded by a seed grant from the programme. Chaudhary’s story is not just a personal triumph, it is emblematic of a broader shift sweeping across Nepal. As the country prepares for graduation from Least-Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, its path to inclusive economic growth increasingly hinges on the empowerment of women like her. And the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women, is central to this transformation. Anchored on SDG 5 (on gender equality), SDG 8 (on decent work and economic growth) and SDG 10 (on reduced inequalities), Nepal’s transition will only be sustainable and irreversible if it is gender responsive.Across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, women’s voices are influencing local economic decisions, shaping municipal plans and claiming their space in markets. In Belauri, a group of 16 women has turned a local opportunity into an enterprise by producing traditional sweets and snacks near the scenic Shova Lake, linking their products to the region’s emerging tourism value chain. Supported by the EWPN programme with training and business coaching, the group has also formed a savings and credit association to reinvest in their venture.“We save every month and decide together how to grow our business. This is not just about income, it is about our unity and our decision-making power,” shares Rita Chaudhary, one of the women entrepreneurs.In Birgunj, a group of 20 women trained in stitching now produce school uniforms in a workspace constructed and equipped by their local ward office. Their products are directly linked to the Government’s school uniform distribution programme, providing them with stable income while fulfilling a public need.“Before, I used to earn a little. Now, I work full-time with dignity. My uniform goes to children who could not afford one otherwise. That makes me proud,” says Khusboo Kumari Patel, a member of the stitching group.These achievements reflect the systemic change that EWPN was designed to catalyse. As of May 2025, 569 women, primarily from marginalized and underserved communities out of 1,500 targeted participants across the three provinces have received Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training-certified vocational training in agriculture, textile, arts and food-based trades complemented by business coaching, seed funding and market linkages support. Many of them come from historically marginalized communities: Dalit, Janajati, Muslim, Madhesi and returnee migrant households with limited income, land and formal education. Of the 136 women trained through the programme, 39 per cent have already launched or expanded income-generating activities with support from local institutions and value chain actors.Beyond economic gains, EWPN-supported opportunities are shifting social dynamics and power relations within households and communities. As women begin earning and contributing to household income, they are stepping into new roles as decision-makers and community leaders.“Once I started earning, I found the confidence to speak up at home and in community meetings. Now, I feel my voice is heard,” says Saraswati Sunar, from Birendranagar, who now co-manages a collective turmeric farm after training through the EWPN programme. “This used to be the shed where I stayed during menstruation, isolated because of an old tradition,” says Khagisara Acharya Karki, a poultry farmer from Dailekh. “Now, it’s where I raise chickens and run my business. EWPN didn’t just help me earn, it helped me leave behind a harmful practice and reclaim my space.”Several women have gone on to lead savings groups, advocate for community services and represent their cooperatives in local dialogues. In doing so, they are actively influencing decisions that affect their lives and communities. By positioning women as visible economic actors, the programme is not only strengthening the economic security and rights of women but also challenging entrenched gender norms.To enable this shift, EWPN partners with federal, provincial and local governments to embed inclusive economic models into policy and practice. In Dhangadi, for example, the local government launched a weekly women’s market, offering 75 stalls to women entrepreneurs from informal sectors. Technical support from EWPN ensured gender-sensitive design and operational guidance, turning policy into real economic opportunity.The programme also facilitated the provision of equipment through local cooperatives and farmer associations, promoted digital finance training and supported inclusive planning processes ensuring that women were not just beneficiaries but co-creators of their communities’ economic future.With continued commitment, these systemic supports will ensure that gains made under EWPN become a springboard, not a ceiling, for Nepal’s inclusive growth.In Birendranagar, Sushila Tharu stands at the doorway of the Patalganga Tharu Community Homestay, welcoming visitors with quiet pride. For over six years, the initiative has not only created income, but built identity and dignity for Tharu women in her community. Through the EWPN-supported 18-day hospitality and culinary training, she and other women enhanced their skills, experimented with authentic Tharu recipes, and deepened their understanding of cultural tourism.“I no longer have to ask my husband for money,” she says. “This homestay has shown our community and ourselves that when women are given the opportunity, we lead.” Looking beyond 2026, UN Women Nepal envisions a resilient national economy where women-led MSMEs are not exceptions, but anchors.About the programme: Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal is a four-year joint initiative (2023–2026) by the Government of Nepal, the European Union and the United Nations to advance gender equality and inclusive economic growth. The programme is implemented by four UN agencies (ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women) across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, in close partnership with all levels of government.

In the heart of Kanchanpur’s Belauri Municipality, 16 determined women historically marginalized Kamaiya group—have rewritten their futures with the sizzling sounds of snacks and sweets. Until recently, these women had limited opportunities. The remnants of the Kamaiya bonded labour system still cast long shadows, restricting their access to resources and economic independence. But change began to take root in late 2024, when the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme joined hands with Belauri Municipality, the Sobhataal Protection Group, and local leaders to support the economic empowerment of these women These women recently completed a 1.5-months intensive training in fast food preparation, thanks to a partnership between the EWPN, local government and the Sobhataal Protection Group. These aspiring entrepreneurs were not just learning to cook; they were learning to dream. With support from EWPN, and leadership of Ward Member Kripa Ram Chaudhary and Ward Chairman Lal Bahadur Chaudhary, the women were equipped with culinary skills, confidence, and hope. Sobhataal—once just a local secret—is emerging as tourism destination which is also prioritized in the plan of the local government. With rising visitor numbers came a glaring gap: no food outlets to serve hungry travellers. Seizing the opportunity, EWPN in partnership with Belauri Municipality, ward no-5 stepped in with the interventions: empower local women to start fast food counters right at the lake. EWPN provided cooking equipment and kitchen utensils, forming the “Sobhataal Women Entrepreneur’s Group” which was further complemented by local government through other logistics support equivalent of NPR 100,000.  With this support, the women—once limited by systemic barriers—are now running business, serving freshly made snacks to weekend crowds.  It’s not just a business; it’s a movement-says the leader of the ‘Sobhataal Women Entrepreneurs’ group. According to her, they are running the business everyday where they take charge of business on a rotational basis. Average weekly income of NPR 5000 Inspired by the group business, two of the training participants from other ward also started similar business, embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. These women are setting role models for the rest of the community women to step out from their household chores and join labour market for increased voice, agency and choice. The Belauri Municipality prepares for an official inauguration of the weekly market in Shobataal to provide market opportunity for local produce for more women from the community. This upcoming event aims to spotlight not just economic empowerment, but the transformative power of community-led development. With plans to expand services to weekdays and draw in more local tourists, these women are becoming symbols of resilience and innovation. Sobhataal is no longer just a place of natural beauty—it’s a stage where women rise, lead, and thrive. Looking ahead, the story doesn't end here. Building on this momentum, UN Women plans to work closely with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help these and other aspiring women entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses. Women who show interest and readiness will be supported through ILO’s “Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)” training, providing them with practical tools and guidance to grow and sustain their enterprises. 

 Early marriage was simply a part of life for Kamala Khadka. She herself was married at just 11 years old to a boy barely four years older. Growing up, she never questioned the practice—it was considered normal in her community. So, when her 15-year-old daughter Saraswati upset her, Kamala’s go-to threat was always the same: "I’ll marry you off and let you face what marriage brings."Those words stung deeply. "It hurt me every time she said that" Saraswati recalled with sadness.Everything changed when Kamala joined the Rupantaran parent’s sessions under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) initiative, facilitated by UNICEF. This program was designed for parents of students attending Rupantaran sessions in schools to discuss and reflect on issues affecting young girls, including the struggles of early marriage.During these sessions, Kamala learned from facilitators and other parents that child marriage not only violates the law but can have devastating consequences. For the first time, she connected the hardships she had endured in her own life to early marriage. "I lost my husband when I was very young and had to raise three children on my own. If I had been educated, I could have earned enough to support my family, but marriage robbed me of that chance. Instead, I was burdened with household chores and faced immense mental stress," shared Kamala. "Now I realize that marrying Saraswati off won’t solve problems, it will only ruin her future. Considering the facts, I’ve stopped pushing for early marriage and want better for her."Meanwhile, Saraswati, now in Grade 9, regularly attends the Rupantaran sessions. These sessions teach students about the harms of early marriage, equality, and mutual respect among peers. "One day, I want to become a teacher and conduct Rupantaran sessions just like this to raise awareness about early marriage," says Saraswati. The mother and daughter both now share conversations about what they learn from their respective sessions, deepening their bond and reshaping their outlook on life.Child marriage continues to be practiced in various parts of Nepal, robbing children—especially girls—of their rights, education, and future opportunities. To combat this harmful tradition, the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme, a joint effort by the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations, is supporting Rupantaran parent’s sessions and Rupantaran life skills sessions across the across multiple municipalities in the Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Madhesh provinces.The initiative not only raises awareness about key social issues but also aims to equip school dropouts with skill development training through programs led by UN Women and ILO.