Claire’s Adventure to Mera Peak - for RUWON Nepal
Donation protected
I am self-funding the trip of a lifetime to trek in the Himalayas. The challenge is to summit Mera Peak at 6,476m – the highest trekking peak in Nepal, from where I will be able to see a vista of mountains (including Everest) that I will never forget. During the 14-day trek I will walk for 7 hours per day, sleep in teahouses and a tent (hopefully only 1 night) and feel temperatures of -25 deg C. An opportunity to fully immerse in Nepali culture.
I am seeking sponsorship to help a charity which I believe will make a difference to the lives of Women and Girls in rural Nepal - RUWON Nepal Sewing and Tailoring Program.
RUWON Nepal Sewing and Tailoring Program
In August 2022, RUWON Nepal set up a free Sewing and Tailoring training program for underprivileged women from rural areas to learn the skills necessary to become experienced tailors and seamstresses.
The sewing training program can teach 14 at-risk women at a time how to become skilled seamstresses. The training lasts for a total of 6 months and after the program is completed, they will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
The women will then be able to use this certificate and skill set to secure employment, or start their own business. This will provide them with a valuable life skill, artistic expression, and a strong sense of independence. This free education empowers women and positions them to have greater potential to earn a living and support their families.
To date there have been 3 cohorts of trainees – that is 42 women who have gained skills to empower their lives.
RUWON Nepal has set up the program with funding from a mixture of sources, but needs additional funding to allow the program to continue. A training course costs about £3,300 (£235 per student) and it would be wonderful if I could raise this sum.
Gender Equality and Poverty for women in Nepal
Nepal is a patriarchal society where women and girls are treated as subordinates. Despite improvements in Nepali governance, the status of women in Nepal remains very poor in terms of health, education, income, decision-making, and access to policy making. Patriarchal practices, which control these women's lives, are reinforced by the legal system. Women face systematic discrimination, particularly in rural areas. Literacy rates are substantially lower than men, and women work longer hours. Early marriage and violence against women is still common.
RUWON Nepal
RUWON Nepal, Rural Women’s Network, is a Women’s organisation that has been working hard to improve the condition of marginalised girls and women in rural Nepal since 2007.
RUWON Nepal strives to contribute to the economic and social development of the country at local, national and international levels by helping grassroots women and marginalised people through networking, empowerment, education and shelter.
RUWON Nepal has the special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is the highest status granted by the United Nations to non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), thereby allowing them to participate in the work of the United Nations.
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI)
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer women’s organisation working together to transform the lives of women and girls with nearly 72,000 Members in 121 countries. Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has 6000 Members in 270 Clubs in 18 countries including Great Britain, Ireland and countries in Asia, the Caribbean and Malta, who work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
I am a member of SI Cockermouth and District and Goma Devi Bastola (President of RUWON Nepal) is a member of SI Kathmandu.
Organizer
Claire Rawlinson
Organizer
England