Hands of Nepal is a US-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed with the primary goal of improving the economic and social conditions of marginalized women and their families in the rural communities of Nepal.
Even before the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Nepal on April 25, 2015, one in four people in Nepal lived in poverty and many struggled daily to feed themselves and their families. Since the earthquake more than one million additional people have been pushed below the poverty level.
Nepal’s rural economy, which is predominantly agricultural based, employs about seventy percent of the population and accounts for about a third of the country’s economic output. Agricultural production cannot keep pace with population growth and natural disasters are a constant threat to the health and livelihood of those living in these rural communities. In order to thrive Nepal needs to diversify its economy.
In the rural Nepali villages, the artisan sector is the second largest source of income. The majority of artisans are women working from home without the business skills, broad market access, and the financial tools needed to earn a living wage as a weaver. These women need assistance with production, sales, and promotion for a broader market. Hands of Nepal was created to develop the untapped potential of these rural artisans by providing the resources and training to enable them to compete in global commerce.
We partnered with two key individuals in Nepal. Together we have the expertise and experience to bring artisan made apparel and accessories to global markets. Our partners in Nepal are currently working in the weaving industry, understand the supply chain and know the local artisans. Hands Of Nepal and its partners are committed to building sustainable economic equity for the women weavers of Nepal and with your donations we can achieve this goal.