PROJECT OVERVIEW
Vocational Perspective and Employment - in Partnership with Plan International
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Project Duration: September 2022 - February 2026
Goals:
To provide equal access to vocational training and dignified employment for young women and men.
Measures:
- Vocational and entrepreneurial training programs for young women and men.
- Workshops for employers covering labour law, occupational health, and gender equality.
- Childcare provisions for young mothers participating in the training.
- Financial literacy courses, access to savings groups, and microcredit facilities.
- Literacy, numeracy, and basic mathematics courses.
- Start-up assistance to support new small businesses.
- Formation of alumni groups to foster networking and peer support among graduates.
- Awareness-raising initiatives for local authorities and community leaders to promote equality and dignified employment.
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Context and Background
Nepal’s economy is primarily agricultural, with a limited manufacturing sector. In the eastern regions of Dhanusha and Sindhuli, most people also rely on agriculture. These regions produce beans, potatoes, cabbage, bananas, wheat, rice, maize, and fish. Small-scale businesses and artisanal enterprises exist, but the processing industry and service sector remain underdeveloped.
Unemployment, especially among women and youth, is a significant challenge in Nepal. Traditional gender roles restrict many women’s access to vocational training. Early marriages, domestic responsibilities, and childcare further reduce their chances of earning an independent income. One-third of girls marry before turning 18, with seven percent marrying before 15.
Nepali women predominantly work in the informal sector or as minimally trained labourers in agriculture, often earning considerably less than men for similar work. Not only women but also ethnic minorities and marginalised groups like the Dalit face wage discrimination and social exclusion. Many men, seeking income opportunities, migrate abroad but are often subjected to exploitation, forced labour, and abuse.
A lack of vocational qualifications is a significant barrier to employment for young people. Approximately four percent of children in Nepal drop out without completing primary school, with little chance of re-entering the education system. Unemployment can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and even crime among the youth.
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Our Goals
This project was launched to offer young women and men a viable career path, opportunities for income, and new life perspectives. We are equipping 550 young people aged 18 to 24 with essential skills for the workforce and the job market. Through these training programs, participants gain both vocational skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. For those with limited reading, writing, or numeracy skills, additional literacy and mathematics classes are available, along with English and computer courses for 275 participants.
Our selection process prioritises those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including members of specific castes or ethnic minorities affected by poverty, as well as households with children or adults with disabilities.
To address the gender inequalities that hinder women’s access to training and dignified employment in Nepal, we actively promote equality in the job market. Employers, government employees, and local authorities are trained on issues such as labour law, gender equality, and occupational health and safety.
Life skills training programs enhance young people’s communication and leadership abilities, along with their skills in stress and conflict management. Financial literacy training and access to savings groups provide economic security and support those who aspire to start their own small businesses.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Promoting Dignified Work and Gender Equality
To ensure that women have equal access to dignified work and fair pay, we hold awareness-raising events in all eight project municipalities. Employers attend three orientation sessions in each municipality, where we inform them about labour law, gender equality, workplace health and safety, and the government’s mandate for equal pay for equal work. We also emphasize the right to a non-discriminatory workplace, regardless of gender or caste.
We organize 16 dialogue sessions, bringing together young people, government representatives, and employers to discuss dignified working conditions. Leaders from the political, religious, and community sectors also join these sessions, exploring issues of equality, non-discriminatory practices, and youth employment. These local and religious leaders hold considerable influence and play a key role in overcoming gender-based discrimination.
Labour Market Analysis and Curriculum Development
Following a labour market analysis, we identify professions for which we will offer training. Collaborating with government representatives, chambers of commerce, and our local partner organization, we assess the national curriculum for technical and vocational training and adapt it to meet local market demands.
Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training
In total, 550 young people from the eight project municipalities receive training to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. Half of the participants go on to complete vocational training, including internships with local businesses. Upon completion, they receive an official certificate verifying their qualifications, which enhances their employability. To support young mothers, we arrange childcare services during the training sessions.
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The other half of the participants who opt for self-employment receive additional skills training and start-up support to help them establish small businesses. Networking opportunities with savings groups provide access to microloans, helping them expand their ventures.
Support for Entering the Workforce
All selected 550 participants undergo life skills training that hones their communication, negotiation, and leadership skills, as well as their decision-making, stress management, and conflict resolution abilities. They also receive coaching on job-seeking skills, including CV writing and interview preparation.
Participants with limited literacy or numeracy skills benefit from supplementary reading, writing, and mathematics classes, while those pursuing vocational training attend additional English and computer courses. Alumni groups foster a supportive network for graduates, allowing them to share career experiences and resources over the long term.
Community support is fostered through awareness-raising events in the project municipalities and direct discussions with parents and relatives to build a supportive environment for the youth. These efforts increase awareness about gender equality and dignified employment, encouraging families and community members to support young people in their professional journeys.
Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation
Dhanusha and Sindhuli are disaster-prone areas, frequently affected by landslides and floods. Climate change increases these risks, impacting food security, safety, and employment in the region. We conduct awareness sessions in all eight project communities on climate change and disaster risk management, discussing its effects on agriculture, schools, businesses, and livelihoods. Young people and adults are encouraged to engage in disaster preparedness and environmental protection and to advocate for climate adaptation and risk mitigation measures within their communities.