Geographies

Groups of women entrepreneurs in Nepal have been resourceful in finding land and funds to create collective working spaces, which are instrumental for their economic activities and broader wellbeing.

Climate change is imposing heavy costs on smallholder farmers and local communities whose livelihoods are based on natural resources - including in Nepal, where male out-migration places an especially heavy burden on women to navigate the changes.

Transitions to clean energy are compatible with sustainable and equitable development and women’s economic empowerment. However, in the absence of adequate policies, they may reinforce existing inequalities. A new policy brief summarises the evidence that supports and knowledge gaps that hinder clean and inclusive energy transitions.

At COP28 in Dubai in November-December 2023, governments will negotiate a political statement and commitment to further action on 'just transitions': how transitions to low-carbon economies can provide decent, secure employment for millions of workers. Sign this call to action for gender-just, low-carbon economies, to raise the profile of women's empowerment as a critical consideration for the climate talks and COP28 decision.

Experiences from Intellecap and its partners highlight that women can be economically empowered in value chains if they are given access to capacity building, technology and finance.

Nepal's reputation for beautiful scenery is being marred by mountains of plastic waste. Now women entrepreneurs from rural communities are seeking to change all that, by making and promoting bio-products for use instead of plastic.

Rural women in Nawalparasi district of central Nepal have succeeded in producing bags, hats, and mats from Thakal, bio-cups and plates from Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves, and brooms from broom grass. They recently shared their successes and plans with government officials.