KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is preparing a policy to promote women’s entrepreneurship, ensuring that women with skills no longer remain idle at home, informed Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol.
Dangol highlighted that the ‘One Ward, One Model Program’ related to entrepreneurship has started showing positive results. Under this initiative, women’s groups are also being encouraged to become entrepreneurs, and the policy will formalize this approach.
“Even if you stay at home, you may have some skills. Some know how to cook delicious food, some can sew, and some can make decorative items. These are income-generating skills. Don’t just sit thinking ‘What can I do?’,” Dangol urged women to take initiative.
Reviewing the program, Chief of the Social Development Department, Samiksha Niraula, said that women’s committees have seen positive changes in status (facilities, access, time efficiency), position (self-respect, dignity, voice, influence), and responsibility (initiative, dedication, problem-solving).
KMC’s Social Development Department began forming women development groups and committees in 2018. By 2021, groups were established in all wards. Currently, there are 35 women development committees in the metropolitan area, with around 600 smaller groups of five members each.
Members of these groups save a fixed amount monthly, ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500, which is returned with interest every two years. These groups hold monthly meetings and participate in social activities and skill-based training, generating additional income.
The program also enables women to step outside their homes, marking the first step toward women empowerment, officials said.
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