Outcome Workshop on Strengthening Collaboration for Women Entrepreneurs’ Initiatives
More than 45 diverse concerned stakeholders passionate about advancing women’s economic empowerment came together in a workshop held in Nawalparasi. It aimed at dissemination of the findings and recommendations of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the project “Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions”. The workshop preceded several sessions, starting with the women entrepreneurs’ journey, a presentation on the project outcomes, and group discussions on the role of different stakeholders in supporting women entrepreneurs. Participants developed a collaborative exit action plan as an outcome.
So far, the project has successfully demonstrated certain exemplary women entrepreneurs promising results of forest resource-based livelihood efforts within the contexts of three CFUG. They shared about their growing leadership and decision-making roles in economic, social, and political roles by learning the technical tactics of enterprise management skills, accessing technologies and women entrepreneurs’ buildings, and securing sustainable access to minor forest resources for their product development. They expressed gratitude to concerned stakeholders for encouraging them in their journey to establish themselves as entrepreneurs since they gained a new identity as “green entrepreneurs” based on “green enterprises”
The women entrepreneurs shared their happiness and pride with the new experiences of conducting inventories of Sal and Thakal leaves, preparing operational plans based on analysis of their inventory outputs, and obtaining approval from the DFO while including them in the operational plan of the CFUGs. Thus, women’s choices of NTFPs are now equally respected with the timber-based forestry operational plans of the concerned CFUGs.
The workshop also highlighted the critical challenges and suggestions received from the MTR, such as the absence of secure marketing channels, the need for legal certification and branding of products, the diversification of products, and the adoption of quality control measures. The key recommendations of the MTR were also shared in the workshop, highlighting the need for continuity of reflective learning, embracing innovation, and exploring online platforms for developing high-quality products to sustain marketing. The workshop concluded with encouraging words from the Deputy Mayor of Devchuli Municipality, who informed us that the municipality has already included funds for supporting women entrepreneurs’ marketing by opening a marketing outlet (Koseli Ghar) in Devchuli.
