Nepal

More women in Nepal, especially the most marginalized ones, increased their income generation, in line with Nepal�s ambition in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (poverty reduction), 5 (gender equality) and 8 (improving access to decent work). This has particular importance considering women�s economic empowerment (WEE) in Nepal a key accelerator for national development, in the context of Nepal�s graduation from Least Developed Country category by 2026, and the increased feminization of poverty due to men�s out migration. This was achieved by following a holistic approach that targets improvement in the policy framework related to WEE, changes in the discriminatory social norms such as unpaid care work and supporting women�s greater access to skills, resources and markets. A total of 706 women and people from most excluded groups (701 women, 3 men and 2 non-binary) in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpashhim provinces, started and expanded their micro-scale business and increased income. These women worked in climate resilient small-scale agro-based value chain, food processing, non-farming sectors, and handicraft, and some of them organized in collectives. Their testimonials highlight their ability to expand their income significantly. One of the women who faces intersectional discrimination based on gender, caste and social status reported an average income of NPR 30,000 � 45,000 (USD 225-300) monthly from off-farm businesses. For the first time, addressing women�s unpaid care work, a key enabler for women�s economic empowerment, was institutionalized as a priority in 16th National Periodic Plan, through technical and strategic collaboration with ILO. Likewise, 32 local governments now have comprehensive Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Implementation Plans, which provide strong entry points to expand care services at local level including social protection Also, for the first time, the 37 private sector companies in the country came together with their peers to discuss how they can advance gender equality, following the global Women Empowerment Principles framework, facilitated by UN Women and Global Compact Nepal UN Women contributed these results by working closely with the government, its civil society partners, especially the women�s organizations, ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF, FAO, WFP and IFAD particularly through joint programmes on Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal and Rural Women�s Economic Empowerment by European Union and Multi Partner Trust Fund (Sweden and Norway) and European Union providing technical assistance and playing a conveying role, coupled with funding support from the Government of Finland. UN Women Nepal�s wholistic approach for WEE with a focus on intersectionality remains valid for its future programme.

In 2023, UN Women promoted an enabling environment conducive to amplifying the voice and agency of women from various marginalized groups in Nepal, transforming deeply entrenched gender-biased norms at the grassroots level. Approximately 2,225 community members including interfaith leaders, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ persons, were engaged in challenging gender discriminatory social norms and harmful practices. A total of 40 self-help groups (SHGs), peer support groups for LGBTIQ+ communities, and networks for persons with disabilities advocated against gender-biased social norms and harmful practices within their communities. For instance, a community social network member in Bara District initiated a "marriage without dowry" campaign. Influenced by UN Women-facilitated community sessions, perceptions about LGBTIQ+ individuals shifted significantly among community members, recognizing them as equals. Another impactful change was observed in a woman who, after these sessions, involved her son in household chores alongside her daughter, breaking a long-standing gender norm. The implementation of 16 Community Action Plans by these self-help groups raised awareness among 858 community members (744 females and 114 males) about gender-based violence and formal support services. UN Women's efforts also created a conducive environment for 60 women (11 Brahmin/Chhetri, 21 Dalits, 12 Janajati, and 17 Madhesi) at the grassroots level, representing 11 grassroots women's organizations (GWOs). These women enhanced their capacities in gender-responsive justice, advocacy, documentation, monitoring, and referrals of cases concerning women and marginalized groups. Advocacy led by these GWOs, supported by UN Women, yielded significant changes in several municipalities. In Gauriganga Municipality, for example, the scope of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Elimination Fund was expanded, with additional funds allocated to support GBV survivors. Additionally, six Grassroots Women�s Organizations successfully secured an allocation of NPR 1,300,000 (approx. USD 9,848) from local government units to combat discriminatory practices like dowry, child marriage, and caste-based discrimination. This funding strengthened their organizational capacity to drive change in their communities and enhance coordination with local government units. These achievements were realized through the Government of Finland's Direct Funding to the Strategic Note and through projects in partnership with Blue Diamond Society, Justice and Rights Institute (JURI) Nepal, National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal, and the Centre for Dalit Women Nepal. These efforts align with SDG 5 targets: 5.1 (ending discrimination against women and girls), 5.3 (eliminating harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation), and 5.4 (recognizing and valuing unpaid care and domestic work through public services, infrastructure, and social protection).