Strengthening Rights, Dignity, and Collective Empowerment of Home-Based and Single Women Workers

Contributed by Women for Human Rights

Chandragiri: Master Trainers Bring Rights and Protection Training to 31 Home-Based Workers

Chandragiri · 13 April 2026 · 31 home-based workers

Master Trainers Shanti Maharjan and Indramaya Maharjan led a Community Awareness session in Chandragiri to help home-based workers understand their identity, rights, and protections, and the forms of violence and discrimination they encounter at home and at work. Through group discussion, interactive games, and drama and role-play, 31 participants explored issues of economic exploitation, delayed payment by middlemen, and workplace insecurity.

Participants said that organizing into groups had already made it easier to access support and grants from local government and to speak with a stronger, collective voice. Several described turning to legal remedies after facing unfair treatment from intermediaries. Feedback was strongly positive, with participants calling for such awareness sessions to continue on a regular basis to sustain momentum on rights, safety, and access to legal support.

Sunakothi: "Who Am I?" Identity and Rights Take Centre Stage for 30 Home-Based Women Workers

Sunakothi · 20 April 2026 · 30 home-based women workers

A Community Awareness session facilitated by Master Trainers Binu Maharjan and Nabina Bajracharya invited 30 home-based women workers in Sunakothi to reflect on foundational questions — who am I, where do I live, what is my work — as an entry point into deeper discussion of their identity, labour, and rights. Delivered in both Nepali and Newari, the session used games, group discussion, role-play, and drama to surface shared experiences of violence, discrimination, and economic exploitation, with many participants noting it was the first time they had spoken openly about these issues.

Participants left with a stronger sense of self-confidence and solidarity, and underlined the value of collective organizing in raising their voices for justice and dignity. They, too, called for such awareness programs to be held regularly across the community. 

Chandragiri Marks 16th International Single Women's Day “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment”

Chandragiri Municipality, Ward No. 5, Kathmandu ·

23 June 2026 · 55 participants

Home-based working women and single women from Chandragiri Municipality Ward No. 5 came together on 23 June 2026 to mark the 16th International Single Women's Day, in a program organized by the Chandragiri Single Women's Group and Home-based Working Women's Group under the project "Towards a Violence-Free Life for Home-based Workers (HBWs) in South Asia." The event was coordinated by Women for Human Rights (WHR) Nepal with support from HomeNet South Asia (HNSA).

Held under the slogan "Justice, Dignity, and Economic Empowerment for Single Women: A Foundation for Building an Inclusive Society," the program drew the Ward Chairperson and ward members of Chandragiri Municipality, school representatives, local elected officials, and members of the community alongside single women and home-based workers.

Women participants spoke candidly about the discrimination and violence they have faced, the barriers to securing property rights, and the economic hardships that shaped their lives before joining the group. Many credited skills training, legal counselling, group solidarity, and leadership development with building their confidence and their capacity to make independent decisions.

Local elected representatives publicly acknowledged the contributions of single women and home-based workers to the community and pledged continued support for future skills, entrepreneurship, and legal-aid initiatives.

The program strengthened women's collective leadership and legal awareness while opening a direct channel for advocacy with local government — creating space for the issues facing home-based workers and single women to be placed before decision-makers and, participants hope, eventually reflected in local plans and budgets.

Participants and organizers agreed that persistent stigma, gaps in legal awareness, and limited resources for livelihood programs remain challenges. Going forward, the group is calling for regular rights-based orientation sessions, expanded market-oriented skills training, and sustained coordination with the local government to keep the momentum of the day alive year-round.

"Step Outside and Raise Your Voice": Lalitpur Observes International Widows Day with Single Women's Groups

Chhahari Agricultural Single Women Farm, Sunakothi, Lalitpur Metropolitan City–27 · 22 June 2026 · 51 participants

A one-day interaction program brought together members of four Single Women Groups from Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 27, along with Domestic Workers Master Trainers and other stakeholders, to observe International Widows Day at the Chhahari Agricultural Single Women Farm in Sunakothi. The event was jointly organized by Women for Human Rights (WHR), the Single Women Group, and HomeNet Nepal, with the aim of promoting the rights, dignity, social security, and economic empowerment of single women.

Chief Guest Krishna Hari Maharjan, Chairperson of Ward No. 27, spoke about the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of single women and building their capacity, and reaffirmed the ward office's commitment to supporting future initiatives for their economic empowerment.

In an open discussion, participants shared the social, economic, and psychological challenges single women continue to face. One message from the floor captured the spirit of the day:

"Being a single woman does not mean staying in a corner of the house and crying. We should step outside, learn new skills, engage in income-generating activities, become self-reliant, and raise our voices for our rights."

Discussion topics ranged across economic empowerment, self-employment, skills development, social security, and collaboration with local government. Participants recommended that local authorities and partner organizations sustain programs focused on income generation, skills-building, and leadership development for single women.

The program also honored Domestic Workers Master Trainers with traditional khadas in recognition of their contribution to women's empowerment and the capacity development of domestic workers. The day closed with introductions, shared experiences, and refreshments among participants — reinforcing bonds of mutual support alongside the day's advocacy messages.

Organizers described the event as a step forward in strengthening the partnership between WHR, HomeNet Nepal, the Single Women Groups, and the local government, and in encouraging single women to participate confidently in public life, build entrepreneurial skills, and pursue dignified, independent futures.