In the quiet, often overlooked town of Kirtipur, Nepal, something remarkable is happening. Women, once bound by the constraints of traditional societal norms, are rising with purpose and determination. They are not only reclaiming their personal power but are also taking a lead in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. This movement is being fueled by the Women Empowerment Center (WEC), a beacon of hope for marginalized women, youth, and underserved communities in Nepal.

The Women Empowerment Center was established in 2017 with a vision to integrate economic empowerment for women with environmental sustainability. But what truly sets the WEC apart is its focus on addressing gender justice and climate justice simultaneously. By equipping women with entrepreneurial skills, fostering women-led businesses, and promoting sustainable practices, the WEC is challenging the entrenched patriarchal norms of Nepal. At the same time, it’s making a significant contribution to climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic development.

A Vision Beyond Financial Independence

The WEC’s mission transcends financial empowerment. It envisions a society where marginalized groups—women, youth, and the underprivileged—thrive socially and economically. “Our aim is to create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of gender, caste, or economic status, has the opportunity to succeed,” explains Geeta Dangol, the founder of WEC. The organization’s impact goes beyond just providing a skill set; it builds a foundation of self-worth, independence, and confidence that ripples through communities.

Unlike private institutions that offer skills training at prohibitive costs, WEC takes an innovative approach by ensuring equitable access to its programs. Its training center integrates essential support systems, such as child care, which allows women to fully participate in training and workforce development without the constraints that typically hold them back.

The Power of Skill Development: Sujani’s Story

One of the many women transformed by WEC’s efforts is Sujani Maharjan. “I always admired Geeta didi and the work she’s doing at the Women Empowerment Center,” Sujani recalls. “When I learned about the 9-month bag-making training, I eagerly applied. Before joining, I made a small income from sewing bags by order, but I knew I could do more.”

Sujani’s determination and the skills she gained through the training program opened doors she never imagined. "I now have the knowledge and confidence to become self-employed and independent. I want to share what I’ve learned with other women and help them find their own paths toward independence. This isn’t just about earning money—it's about believing in yourself and your potential."

Her story is emblematic of the countless women whose lives have been transformed through WEC’s skill development programs. With her newfound independence, Sujani is not only securing her own future but also becoming a role model for others in her community.

The Intersection of Gender Justice and Climate Justice

WEC’s work extends far beyond skill development. In March 2023, WEC, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) partners, launched Nepal’s first Analog Forest in Kirtipur. This groundbreaking project rehabilitates degraded land while providing women with employment and training opportunities in sustainable forestry. The forest, once a neglected area used for garbage disposal, is now a thriving example of biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience.

Analog Forestry is a method of reforesting that mimics natural forest structures, promoting biodiversity, water retention, and the restoration of topsoil—all while sequestering carbon. This approach not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change but also provides sustainable livelihoods for the women involved. "By restoring this forest, we’re not just planting trees—we’re creating opportunities for women to lead in climate action," says Geeta.

The project empowers women to take charge of their environment and their future, allowing them to gain skills in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and forest management. This holistic approach makes the WEC Analog Forest initiative a model for addressing both gender and climate justice. The women are learning to lead, not just within their families but also in their communities, helping to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept them on the sidelines of environmental action.

A Model for Sustainable Livelihoods

The Analog Forest is much more than an ecological initiative; it serves as a demonstration site and nursery, showing how biodiversity conservation and economic development can go hand in hand. It provides food security through the cultivation of forest garden products, such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants, alongside commercially valuable crops like coffee and tea. By creating an environment that balances biodiversity with economic productivity, WEC is ensuring that women have sustainable livelihoods for the long term.

“The idea is simple yet profound,” Geeta explains. “We are giving women the tools they need to thrive economically while also playing a key role in conserving their environment. This way, we are building a future that is not only financially secure but also environmentally sustainable.”

Potential for Upscaling and Global Impact

The success of WEC’s Analog Forest initiative has far-reaching implications. It demonstrates that sustainable practices like Analog Forestry can be scaled to other regions facing deforestation and environmental degradation. The methodology can be replicated in areas with similar environmental challenges, providing a model for integrating biodiversity conservation with economic development.

The WEC’s efforts to upskill women and empower them to take an active role in climate action provide a blueprint for what’s possible when gender justice and climate justice are addressed together. By continuing to expand the nursery and training programs, WEC is poised to increase its impact exponentially, bringing more women into the fold and further transforming marginalized communities.

Why We Need Your Support

The story of WEC is a story of transformation—both for the women involved and for the environment they are helping to restore. The Analog Forest project exemplifies how addressing the intersections of gender, economic empowerment, and climate justice can lead to sustainable, long-lasting change. But to continue and expand this work, WEC needs the support of donors, stakeholders, and partners.

The success of the Analog Forest and the women-led businesses fostered by WEC hinges on the resources available to them. With further investment, the project has the potential to scale up, impacting not only more women but also entire ecosystems in Nepal and beyond.

By supporting the WEC, you are investing in a future where women are empowered, communities are resilient, and our environment is preserved for generations to come. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world—one that recognizes the vital roles women play in creating a brighter future.

Let us move forward, hand in hand, toward this vision.