Our social enterprise partner in Nepal, Lily’s Leaves, has been training young women in basic and advanced tailoring skills since its inception in 2020. After each six-month long course, we provide each graduate with a sewing machine, table, materials and a small grant to allow them to set up in business either on their own or with a fellow graduate. In this way we are empowering women by taking them out of the fields where they were day labourers earning a pittance, and into skilled self-employment that gives them a good income.
This follow-on financial support and mentoring by Lily’s Leaves field staff is vitally important, otherwise the training could easily be a huge waste of time and resources. We have encountered many women who have been trained by other organisations in the past, only to be subsequently neglected.
But here too we have intervened…..
Since October 2024, Lily’s Leaves has helped seven such women (i.e. not Lily’s Leaves graduates) from Sarlahi District, south Nepal, to set up three tailoring shops. Each shop has required a grant of approximately £2,000. It is well worth spelling out the impact of these investments:
- Women who previously depended solely on their husbands for income are now actively earning and contributing to their family’s livelihood
- They are able to support their children’s education and household expenses independently
- Some shops have expanded, adding cosmetic products or conducting training sessions for other women
- During festivals and before the start of school terms, their income increases significantly
- Overall, they have gained confidence, independence, and recognition within their communities.
Purnima B.K.: "I was just limited to a few tailoring trainings and hardly had any opportunity. I was striving to survive, but getting the chance to open my own tailor shop was beyond my imagination. Thanks to Lily Leaves Enterprises, my dream became a reality. Today, I’m no longer just known as Purnima Didi. I am known as a trainer Purnima Madam. I recently got an opportunity from the municipality to lead a training session. In this way I am gradually building my identity. I am also supporting my family very well. What more can a woman ask for?"
Malati Tamang: "As a widow with children and a sick mother, I was burdened with responsibilities. I had no land and was planning to go abroad for work. But when I heard about this opportunity, I immediately said yes. With my earnings from the tailoring shop and a small loan, I have expanded my business by adding cosmetic items. Now, I am financially stronger and supporting my family."
Phool Kumari Mahato: "In our Madhesi community, women are not allowed to work outside the home. I was hesitant and fearful at first. But Pavitra Didi encouraged me and gave me hope to move forward. I set up the shop with my sister, and we now earn 500–1000 rupees daily. Even that small amount means a lot to us. My husband, who is abroad, is proud that we are now able to save and people appreciate my tailoring skills. Now, I have set an example in my community, showing that even daughters-in-law can work, earn, and inspire others."
We are currently raising funds towards launching another six-month-long basic tailoring course for 16 young women from south Nepal, which costs £1,000 per trainee for the entire course. This includes the start-up grant upon the completion of training. Can you help (at any level!) please? If so, drop our Founder, Philip Holmes, an email!
