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Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN)

I visited EWN in Pokhara, Nepal, in October, 2009, with a small group of American women travelers. EWN does work that, ten years ago, no one could have imagined doing – training Nepalese women to become Himalayan mountain guides.

EWN is supported by 3 Sisters Adventure, a company run by the Chhetri sisters, whose goal is to bring women into adventure tourism. Nicky says: “In the early nineties no one would have dreamed of a Nepalese woman guiding a trek. Nepalese society is ruled by the Orthodox Hindu religion where women are considered second-class citizens. Their role is to be a diligent wife, a loving mother, and an obedient daughter-in-law. Society dictates that a woman should not cross out of her home threshold. But the Chhetri sisters did just that.”

Twice a year women enrollees join a free six-month long program, a trekking guide apprenticeship, that teaches technical skills as well as conversational English.Women from remote areas receive free room and board at EWN’s hostel in Pokhara so they can attend.

So far, 3 Sisters Adventure has led 200 treks – there is a large demand from women trekkers. Lucky Chhetri describes the problems in getting started.

Our aim has been, and continues to be, to empower and develop women through tourism and to encourage sustainable tourism in remote areas where there is little hope for the future. It is not easy to break down social barriers within a few years. Women trekking guides is a new concept for Nepalese society. It has been a great challenge to bring women into this industry, since society doesn't condone women working as guides, but after a long struggle we have proven ourselves. Women can also work as a guide if the opportunity is provided to her. We have demonstrated that women are mentally, physically and emotionally as strong as men.

In addition to the trekking course, EWN works in many other ways for women. It has created an orphanage for abandoned children. It provides child care when its guides are out on treks. And it works with other organizations to address the needs of rural Nepalese women who are among the most isolated and ignored women in the world.

If you’d like to know more about EWN and spread the word to your friends, please visit their site.

Making a financial contribution involves transferring money to Nepal. There are different ways. “We accept many different donation mediums; money transfer, travellers checks and credit/debit cards. Please contact us if you have any questions about donating.”

An email about making a contribution  will smooth the way.  Or go on a trek and deliver your contribution personally!