In Naya Padampur, a village in south-central Nepal, a spinning wheel turns on a rooftop, with Bin Maya Gurung skillfully weaving yarn through her fingers. Her enjoyment is evident as she works, moving in harmony with the machine that supports her family. Gurung operates a wool spinning business that has grown since she started spinning in the early 2000s. This enterprise is one of many women-led microenterprises that have emerged throughout Nepal. Over recent decades, women in rural areas have begun entering the business world more frequently, thanks to changing government regulations and societal attitudes.
A 2022 study in the Parbat district found that 96% of women involved in microenterprises reported feeling capable of supporting their families through their earnings. These businesses also play a crucial role in providing additional income for rural families, which helps reduce their dependence on forest resources like timber. Women-led microenterprises in Nepal and other places not only empower women but also support conservation efforts by creating a beneficial link between communities and the land. The development of these enterprises highlights a growing global acknowledgment of the positive impacts of women’s participation in environmental sustainability and economic growth.
What are your thoughts on the role of women in supporting their communities through microenterprises?
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Source: Mongabay Animals, by Karen Coates