The Women’s Foundation, Nepal
The Foundation for solidarity and empowerment of women
Introduction
‘The
Women’s Foundation’ WF
is a non-profit, non-government organisation working for the safety and
empowerment of Nepalese women and children.
WF
strives to alleviate the problems raised by gender inequity between man and
woman in the society. WF provides environment to oppressed women for
self-development and economic opportunities. WF also works for social change
by increasing public awareness on gender discriminations including domestic
and sexual violence, witch hunting etc.
WF
runs a shelter in
Kathmandu for the women and children who are survivors of various forms of
abuse and violence: rape, girl trafficking, witch hunting and domestic
violence. Services provided by the shelter include:
·
Food and lodging
·
Medical treatment
·
Legal counselling and support
·
School education and skill training
·
Follow-up care
All these programmes are interconnected and delivered throughout Nepal
having one common objective: making the women and children safer from
violence and elevating the social, economic & political status of women in
Nepal.
The women living in the shelter receive different opportunities to
participate in skill development training of WF for example training to
weave the traditional textile "Dhaka".
Recently they have trained women in weaving silk shawls to compete in the
global market.
Dhaka
is an exquisite cotton fabric in numerous colours with infinite and
unlimited number of patterns.
The unique art and craft of
Dhaka has its roots in an eastern Nepali village 'Terathum'. Started by 'Rai'
and 'Limbu' women, Dhaka is a truly indigenous
traditional form of artistic expression representing excellent Nepalese
craftsmanship.
Dhaka’s
history exceeds more than one thousand years. With the introduction and
development of power-looms,
Dhaka suffered a major setback to less expansive fabrics. However the
efforts by villagers to preserve the art brought the Dhaka back to life. WF
further diversified the Dhaka patterns in silk scarves.
The weavers who work for WF receive their share of profits in two
ways. The women are paid a fair hourly wage for their work. Second a profit
sharing approach whereby 50% of the generated profit is returned to the
weavers.
Learn more about WF
at:
Contact in US for information/purchase
Sushma Barakoti
sushmabarakoti@yahoo.com
Ph: 570-496-6489 |