Since 2010, the SEWAM program has been working with marginalized and deprived women groups in Chitwan, Makwanpur, Sarlahi, and Dhanusha for their socioeconomic upliftment through various economic empowerment programs. The SEWAM program provides skill oriented trainings, income generating programs, vocational trainings, agricultural development, and awareness programs to women’s groups. For the past nine years, SEWAM has helped to improve women’s participation in income generating activities by providing seed money through a trust fund and micro-credit loans to operate small businesses. Today, women have begun to invest funds and loans which are mobilized through the trust fund.
SEWAM has helped in improving women’s participation in income generating activities. The program has brought positive changes in the lives of 498 women from 18 women’s groups in Sarahi, Makwanpur, Chitwan and Dhanusha districts of Central Nepal. The economic conditions of the female entrepreneurs participating in SEWAM have improved greatly after creating their own businesses, and women feel empowered with regards to decision making both in business and household matters. This increase in confidence has led them to lead more independent, self-reliant lives.
SEWAM has been supported by World Accord Canada since the project was initiated in 2010.