Gandaki Province to Boost Women’s Entrepreneurship: Key Initiatives Revealed
Gandaki Province is set to empower women entrepreneurs with new support measures. Surendra Raj Pandey, the Chief Minister of Gandaki, has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at bolstering women’s entrepreneurial activities. This move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance economic opportunities for women across the region.
Gandaki Province’s New Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Government Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
In a recent address, CM Pandey highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship. He stated that the government plans to offer financial, physical, and moral support to women entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of a larger project focused on the digitalisation of businesses led by women and their economic empowerment.
- Financial Support: Grants and loans to help start and expand businesses.
- Physical Support: Infrastructure and resources to improve business operations.
- Moral Support: Training and mentorship to build confidence and skills.
Success Stories from the Learning Program
Homestay Projects Highlighted
The announcement came at the conclusion of a 15-day learning and experience exchange program organised by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal (FWEAN). This programme showcased two homestays in Baglung, which are part of the ‘Digitalisation of Businesses Led by Women Entrepreneurs’ project.
- Homestays: Bhakunde Community Homestay and Atithi Satkar Homestay.
- Focus: Emphasising local culture and products to enhance the tourist experience.
CM Pandey stressed the importance of homestays providing an authentic family environment and showcasing local culture. He criticised current homestays that lack local products and culture, stating that such establishments would no longer receive subsidies.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
Addressing Social and Family Barriers
Shobha Gyawali, President of FWEAN, highlighted the critical role of empowering women for economic growth. She acknowledged the social and family responsibilities that often obstruct women from pursuing entrepreneurship.
- Social Barriers: Balancing family duties and business responsibilities.
- Economic Barriers: Limited access to capital and resources.
Gyawali emphasised that women’s entrepreneurship is crucial for today’s economy and called for collective support to overcome these barriers. FWEAN has also launched a digital literacy programme to help women with digital marketing and product promotion.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, echoed the need for creating an environment that supports women staying in Nepal and thriving in tourism.
- Tourism Prosperity: Showcasing local culture and nature to boost tourism and economic opportunities.
Training and Resources Provided
Business Digitisation Training
In collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, FWEAN provided two weeks of business digitisation training to homestay owners and interested individuals. This training aimed to enhance their skills in operating and marketing their businesses in the digital age.
- Training Content: Digital tools and strategies for effective business management and marketing.
Additional Support
At the conclusion of the programme, each homestay owner received:
- Utensils: Including mats, pressure cookers, thermoses, rice cookers, and kettles.
- Musical Instruments: Two sets provided to enrich the cultural experience offered by the homestays.
The Role of Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Government and FWEAN Collaboration
The programme highlights the effective collaboration between the government and private sector entities like Standard Chartered Bank. This partnership is crucial for providing comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs.
- Government Role: Policy support and financial assistance.
- Private Sector Role: Training and resource provision.
Future Prospects
CM Pandey’s vision for Gandaki Province includes a focus on sustainable tourism and entrepreneurial growth. By aligning government support with initiatives like those from FWEAN, the province aims to create a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Women’s Entrepreneurship
Gandaki Province’s new initiatives represent a significant step forward in supporting women entrepreneurs. With comprehensive support measures, including financial aid, digital training, and resources, the province is setting a strong example of how targeted support can drive economic empowerment.
Women entrepreneurs in Gandaki Province now have a clearer path to success, backed by both government and private sector support. By fostering an environment that values local culture and encourages business growth, Gandaki is paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
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