Women’s Economic Mainstreaming for Empowerment, Rights and Gender Equality (Women EMERGE)

Women’s Economic Mainstreaming for Empowerment, Rights and Gender Equality (Women EMERGE) – Nepal

Deadline: 15-Apr-24UN Women is currently accepting applications to enhance income opportunities for 1500 selected women from excluded groups across 10 local government units (LGU) in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim province.

To accelerate women’s economic empowerment, UN Women NCO is implementing the women’s sustainable livelihood component of a joint programme (JP) titled “Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN)” through the implementation of a comprehensive business/entrepreneurship development intervention for the women from the excluded groups. Thus, NCO seeks a programmatic partnership with CSO, or a consortium (including province level organizations) led by a CSO as a Responsible Party (RP) to cater to the livelihood needs of vulnerable women in three provinces (Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim). UN Women promotes a consortium of CSOs led by diverse groups of women from excluded groups working at different level of governance (federal, provincial and local level). The partnership will align with the integrated approach of the EWPN JP, building synergy with other partner UN agencies while focusing on a comprehensive business development support package that is responsive to differential needs of these specific group of women in three provinces.In Nepal, women’s economic security and rights have been bolstered by the provision in the article 18 (4) of the Constitution, the National Employment Policy (2015) and the Labour Act (2017) that paved way for initiatives to foster equal opportunities for women in economic activities and ensure they reap the benefits thereof. Despite commendable policy formulations, women and girls, particularly those from marginalized groups, encounter persistent barriers hindering the realization of their human rights. To address these challenges, the European Union (EU) and United Nations in collaboration with Government of Nepal initiated the Joint Programme (JP) EWPN focusing on comprehensive strategies to advance gender equality and empowerment of women. Among others, one of the key components of the JP is developing entrepreneurship through a comprehensive business development support package, tackling gender discriminatory norms, and enhancing access to resources, services, and mechanisms. Aligned with this broader goal of ensuring women and girls in targeted locations enjoy their human rights and reach their full potential, the JP engages men, boys, families, and communities to transform societal attitudes and ensures individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access to economic, labor, and social rights. Ultimately, the JP aspires to foster consensus on economic justice and rights for women at the local level, employing a leaving no one behind (LNOB) principles, and endeavors to bring about institutional changes consistent with both national and international normative frameworks.

Objectives
The primary objective of this project intervention is to enhance income opportunities for 1500 selected women from excluded groups across 10 local government units (LGU) in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim province. The project will target these LGU to address gender-based barriers and discriminatory norms that hinder the growth of women-led businesses, with a particular focus on, but not limited to, agriculture and forestry. The project’s specific output-level objectives are as follows:
To build vocational and soft skills capacities of women participant with a comprehensive skills development program informed by a market analysis and women participants need assessment as well as gender discriminatory norms limiting women’s economic empowerment in project locations.To enhance women’s access to business development services for business startup and/or expansion, including access to e-commerce, MSME networks and government-targeted funds for women from marginalized groups within the project locations.To strengthen local, provincial and federal level advocacy efforts to safeguard and promote women’s economic security and rights for continuation and sustainability of project intervention.
Funding Information
The budget range for this proposal should be (Min. USD 350,000 – Max. USD 400,000)Programme Period: 25 April 2024- 30 April 2026 (Two years)Completion of final reporting (narrative and financial): 20 May 2026

Target Group/Constituency/ Location

The program will support livelihood opportunities for 1500 women from vulnerable groups, strategically distributed across three provinces. While primary 10 Palikas have been identified under EWPN JP, the RP can propose additional Palika from list below if participants number are not met.

In Madhesh Province, RP will cater support to 1000 participants from Janakpur, Agnisar Krishna Savaran, Pakahamainpur, and BirgunjIn Karnali Province, RP will cater support to 750 participants from Birendranagar, Narayan, Shuva Kalika and additional Palikas can be proposed from Chaukune, Dullu, Bhairabi, Khadachakra, Sanni Bheri and Thulibheri.In Sudur Paschim, RP will cater support to 750 participants with primariy focus on Badimalika, Dipayal Silgadhi, Belauri, and additional Palikas can be proposed from Chure, Godawari, Durgathali, Khaptab Channa, Masta and Jorayal.

In consultation with the local government units, the project will seek to cater to the most vulnerable group of women facing social and economic issues including women with poor access due to the geographical remoteness, single women, women with disabilities, GBV survivors etc. with LNOB approach, focusing on those most likely to be left behind.

Eligibility Criteria

Proven technical competencies in the application of human rights-based and intersectional feminist approaches to advance gender equality and for ensuring the voices and needs of the most vulnerable women as rights holders.Demonstrable organizational experience of working in women’s economic empowerment, with transformative shift in norm change in these provinces: Madhesh, Karnali, Sudurpaschim. Prior experience in digital and financial inclusion and market linkage would be an advantage.Demonstrable experience in result-based programme management, implementation and monitoring based on indicators and quality reporting.Proven organizational experience in building strategic partnerships, connections and networks with relevant partners, including government agencies, community-based organizations, CSOs, private sectors at the provincial and local level.Past working experience with UN Women on similar programmes will be an added advantage.Demonstrable commitment to working with women, girls and other genders that are economically, socially, culturally, or otherwise excluded and/or marginalized.Field offices or placement of project team in given provinces will be an advantage.

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