The Rotary Club of Westminster International in London, UK, has partnered with the Rotary Clubs of Dhulikhel and Gongabu, Nepal, on a microfinance global grant project that aims to support the economic development of Chittari Pokhari Village and to improve gender equality by increasing women's participation in the workforce.

Nepal Goat Farming Project – Mandandeupur    

The Rotary Club of Westminster International in London, UK, has partnered with the Rotary Clubs of Dhulikhel and Gongabu, Nepal, on a microfinance global grant project that aims to support the economic development of Chittari Pokhari Village and to improve gender equality by increasing women's participation in the workforce.

Background
81% of Nepali people live in rural areas, where there is often a lack of opportunities for families to sustain their lives. As a result, many men have been forced to seek work away from home. Some commute to the bigger cities such as Kathmandu, where this has caused overpopulation and an increased strain on the local economy. Others have found work abroad in India or Malaysia, where they live and send money back to their families in Nepal.

Additionally, the gender gap in Nepal is one of the largest in the world, and the economic empowerment of women is a major contributing factor. Women still largely depend on their male partner for financial support.

Chittari Pokhari is a small village in Mandandeupur, Nepal, with a total population of 510, made up of 110 low-socioeconomic status households. The village was severely affected by the 2015 earthquake and has struggled to recover since. The further challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have exhausted the small remaining sources of income.

Project Details
Fifty women from separate households will receive training in goat farming and small enterprise development. They will be provided with start-up funding, including two goats, insurance, medication, construction of goat sheds and other essential start-up supplies. Ongoing support and monitoring will be carried out in collaboration with the local government. To sustain the project, participation will be conditional on a pair of baby goats being returned to allow another household to benefit from the programme.

The project structure has been carried out in other areas of Nepal in previous Global Grant Projects with an 80-90% success rate. We therefore believe it’s a great way to support women's participation in the labour market and their contribution to the economic growth of Nepal.

Country - Nepal
Host Club & District – Gongabu - 3292
International Service Club & District - Westminster International, UK – 1130
Global Grant ID - GG2127997

Location: Chittari Pokhari Village, Mandandeupur, Nepal
Estimated Timeline: 18 Months, i.e. October 2023 as Global Grant Funding was received in April 2022
Direct Beneficiaries: 125-150 people, overall, 510
Total Budget: USD $40,921Nepal photo Vida Haven - 21 May 2022.jpg

written by Vida Haven
Westminster International Rotary Club, London, UK
vidahaven@gmail.com