Visiting the Horyzon project in Nepal

In April 2024, Horyzon's new project manager for Nepal, Elisha Frei, traveled to Kathmandu to visit the "EmpowHER" project and personally meet the staff of the local partner organization, YWCA Nepal. In addition to numerous exchanges with the local team, Elisha had the opportunity to develop an understanding of the country, its people, and its culture. This understanding is not only essential for implementing the project but is also crucial for future planning, evaluation, and monitoring purposes. The project offers workshops and courses for young women to expand their knowledge in areas such as gender equality, family planning, financial literacy, mental health, and women’s rights. As multipliers, these women go on to support others in their communities. Regular group meetings, facilitated by mentors, foster exchange and mutual learning.

The YWCA Nepal office is located in central Kathmandu, but activities for women are conducted at various locations, both around Kathmandu and in the more rural Kathmandu Valley. The focus is on marginalized areas where, according to local residents, the need for this project is particularly high. Some participants walk over an hour to attend the workshops. The majority of families rely on agriculture, so many young women return to work in the fields after the workshops. The workshops are therefore planned to coincide with harvest times and other farming commitments.

One of the most moving encounters for Elisha during the trip had a tragic background: one of the participants had recently lost her mother to suicide, which is why she was very sad and depressed. She opened herself up to a project employee, who comforted her and also supported her privately. "This shows that the young women trust their mentors in the project and receive compassion and support from them," says Elisha. She noticed that women in Nepal often bear the brunt of everyday life. Even if they are employed, they usually take care of household chores and child rearing alone. This dual burden is compounded by culturally rooted discrimination against women, presenting a significant challenge and contributing to a high suicide rate among women. The project aims to counteract this. "EmpowHER" reaches women across generations and life circumstances, promoting a long-term shift toward a discrimination-free society where women in Nepal are aware of their rights and empowered to advocate for them.