Mentruation and Hygiene
As it occurs in more Asian countries, there is still a taboo surrounding menstruation and hygiene in Nepal. The old use called Chhaupadi is still practised. Menstruation is not spoken about and the girls are not getting the neccecary information about what happens and how you deal with hygiene.
Often they’re given two extra pairs of underpants or an old Sari when they have their first period and have to do it with that. With all the consequences. It is therefore also a regularity that young women become sick, have severe infections or even die.
During information sessions on schools or at community centers we teach them the basics on menstruation and hygiene and handout reusable, sanitairy packages. Thereby giving the girls and women a healthy and safe way to go through their period. Awareness and empowerment will help us irradicate the old use, Chhaupadi.
Chhaupadi
A taboo subject
Sponsorship – Women and Families
A big part of the work Local women’s handicrafts does is empowering women.To do this we help women, and their families towards a more sustainable future by teaching them new skills. They have the choice of different directions in work within our training centre in Goldhunga, Kathmandu and in Goganpur, Terai.
With the help of sponsoring we can give the women a year of training within our facilities and teach them the skills of choice. From weaving to sewing, finishing, cutting, making dreamcatchers or bracelets and other handicraft products. In some cases it is not only the woman who needs help, but also her children. In that case we provide sponsoring for school and the necessary supplies.
After teaching them the skills they want for there future they have a chance to either stay at Local Women’s Handicrafts, as part of our team, or start their own busyness. This way of working ensures that not only the women but the entire family benefits. Empowering women creates a stronger and more social environment by which the whole community flourishes.
Sponsor a Woman
Women’s Empowerment Collective
Reusable Shopping Bags
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems of our time. Thousands of tons of plastic ends up in our water and nature area’s every day. To reduce the use of plastic bags Local Women’s Handicrafts started making shopping bags from recycles material and thereby giving old clothes and cloth a new live.
These shopping bags are free off charge and are regularly handed out to shopkeepers and people in our surrounding area. That way the shops don’t have to give plastic bags to their customers and thus reduce the use of plastic. Also in our LWH shop located in Thamel, Kathmandu, we only use the recycled and colourful shopping bags.
We regularly go to schools and community centres to talk about the enviremont. By creating more awareness about the use of plastic and how to tread it we can work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
A Clean Environment
Starts Within the Community
Distribution of Cloths
In many parts of Nepal people are living in difficult circumstances. Many families don’t have the money to buy clothes for all the members. They live in huts or tents, which makes it difficult for the colder period to survive.
Local Women’s Handicrafts is collecting second – hand clothing of the many travellers flowing through Kathmandu. Much is left in Hostels and Hotels which is often thrown away or end up in places where it is not necessary.
During visits to villages, poor neighborhoods, and other places where the less fortunate reside, we distribute the clothes and try to make the lives of these families a little easier. This way also the second-hand cloth can start a new life.
Women's Empowerment
Collective
Flood Relief – Terai, Nepal
Over recent years, the Terai region in Nepal has increasingly faced big floods and landslides. Houses and villigas washed away by quick rising water. In rural areas houses are commonly made of Leem and mud, making it severly tangible for great water destruction.
Most people lose all their possessions flushed away by the currents. People loose there lives due to the rapid waters and aftereffect of malnutrition and lack of hygiene. There is little to no support and a way to prevent the floods is extremely difficult in this region.
Local Women’s Handicrafts generates the funds through donations and sales. During the flood season we try to help as many people as possible and distribute emergency packages to the most affected families.
Flood Relief
Terai Region, Nepal
Training and Workshops
Through Local Women’s Handicrafts I had the chance to learn many skills. For me the first skill was embroidery and kiran embroidery, with what I started to make many beautiful products. I learnd how to make jewelry like bracelets and earrings and necklets.
I believ in the system; ‘pay it forward’ where we share the knowledge give to us and help others in their future. The skills I have gained over the years I use in my work and create a stable and sustainable life for me and the people around me. By giving others the same chance we can create a stronger society for everyone.
At first I started giving workshops to the women at Local Women’s Handicrafts, by teaching them the skills of making handicrafts. Now I also go to schools, community centers and places like Khagendra New Life Home, where people with a dissability get the chance to have a better live. I thought them to make bracelets and dreamcatcher that we sell in our shop in Thamel, Kathmandu. This way they have an income, can expand their work and earn money.