Social and Economic Strengthening of People with Vulnerabilities with SAATH – Project 022
Project 022 / 2024 – 2028
In response to the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Nepal, the project aims to empower Dalit and Janajati communities, particularly women, through a comprehensive approach. Building on the successful partnership with SAATH, the project focuses on addressing historical, cultural, and economic inequalities. A shift from the previous project includes a refined strategy (sexual and reproductive health and rights courses, a more in-depth follow-up on the individual development of beneficiaries, and a closer connection with local authorities), incorporating lessons learned about the intersectionality of economic and social development.
- Key objectives: The primary objective of the project is to foster long-term social and economic transformation among vulnerable populations, specifically Dalit and Janajati communities in Nepal. The first key objective, revolves around empowering women through vocational training, ensuring not only increased but regular income. This involves a multi-level approach, from basic training in tailoring, knitting, and embroidery to advanced levels, ultimately forming a Producer's group for sustained employment opportunities. The second key objective focuses on enhancing awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The project aims to educate and empower women with vulnerabilities, addressing barriers related to societal taboos and insufficient information. By combining economic empowerment with SRHR awareness, the project strives to create a holistic impact, fostering autonomy and resilience among marginalized communities over the 5-year duration.
- The main activities of the project encompass various training initiatives. In the field of couture, participants undergo both basic and advanced training, equipping them with professional skills and a pathway to stable income. A specialized program in knitting and embroidery allows participants to diversify their skills and explore different market opportunities. The project also focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) awareness and the development of community advocates, ensuring a continuous dissemination of knowledge and social transformation. Additionally, participants benefit from sessions on soft skills and capacity building, including effective communication, problem-solving, and time management. A crucial aspect of the project involves training the trainers, ensuring the sustainability of the imparted skills. Seasoned experts will transfer their knowledge to local trainers, ensuring consistent quality in knowledge transmission.
Project details
€ 274 980
The project targets 404 direct beneficiaries, primarily women aged 18-35 from marginalized groups, focusing on Dalit and Indigenous Nationalities. This includes 12 members in the Producers group, 360 women and adolescent girls trained in SRHR.
SAATH is a Nepalese non-profit organisation founded in 2004 by eleven social work students. It works primarily with women, teenage girls and young people from marginalised communities. Its mission is to empower them through the development of entrepreneurial skills, leadership and community-led initiatives.
In particular, the organisation delivers vocational training, support for setting up businesses, and awareness-raising and advocacy programmes. The Awasar programme, dedicated to developing sustainable livelihoods, helps women and adolescent girls living in rural areas to gain access to more resources, economic opportunities and responsibilities within their households and communities.
Through its awareness-raising, leadership and advocacy programmes, SAATH reports having directly supported more than 2,500 people, whilst a further 12,500 have benefited indirectly. The programme has supported 632 direct beneficiaries and reached more than 6,000 people indirectly, particularly within rural communities in Nepal.
Through its approach based on community participation and entrepreneurship, SAATH seeks to strengthen the position of women and young people in society in a sustainable way.
- The training is being deployed in the Dhanusa district, near Janakpur. The SAATH store is located in Kathmandu.
- The project will be located in the provinces of Madhesh and Bagmati provinces in Nepal.
- Over a period of 5 years, we will be working in several several districts and municipalities in Nepal's two main provinces.
Gender equality
Training
Decent work
Equal opportunities
SGD 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SGD 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
SGD 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries
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