For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
The stinging nettle (sisnoo), have a long history of its usage as weaponry during wars. These have now emerged as an empowering tool for women in Sindhupalchowk. Considered as an abandoned weed, sisnoo has a growing demand on the national and international markets because of its medicinal and health benefits. It helps in body detoxification, increased metabolic efficiency, boosted immunity, increased energy levels, and many more. For ages, people from many different nations and cultures have used nettles. It has been used therapeutically on the skin, consumed as an herbal tea, and eaten as a wild food plant. In recognition of its growing significance, the project “Economic Empowerment of the Women through the Forest Solutions,” funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and implemented by ForestAction Nepal along with its consortium partners, Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI), Nepal, Association of Family Forest Owners, Nepal- (AFFON), Federation of Forest-based Industry and Trade, Nepal (FenFIT-Nepal) has supported 12 women groups in Sindhupalchowk to promote it as a green enterprise.
These women are actively engaged in nettle leaf collection, drying, grinding, and packaging, along with the basics of product marketing. They are also equipped with necessary technological backing, including a multipurpose grinder and a packaging machine supported by the project. Not only have these enterprises raised hope among women in supporting their livelihoods, but have also emerged as a promising technique in promoting eco-friendly farming. In order to safeguard the environment, this enterprise operates according to green standards that restrict energy use, no greenhouse gas emissions, and generate less amount of waste.
