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| Women are now being heard and respected |
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With Plan's help, women in Nepal are learning to steer clear of high-interest loans.
More than 10,000 women in the Makwanpur district of Nepal have joined together to form cooperatives as part of a Plan-backed microfinance initiative which provides small loans and savings services.
The women have pooled almost US $500,000 to provide loan capital for members of the 17-village scheme, organised by the Rural Women Service Centre, a Plan partner.
Traditionally in this region, men take responsibility for financial affairs, and women for family affairs. Now however, thanks to the saving and credit scheme, cooperative women members are regarded as experts on all aspects of village life. They are being heard...and respected.
For cooperative member Pritimaya the advantages are clear: she no longer has to pay heavy interest on loans and she's become more self confident.
She said: “Before joining, I used to borrow money and paid later with heavy interest. Now I can take out a loan without collateral with the minimum interest rates. In the past I would be afraid to talk to any new person who came into the community. Now I welcome them. I am not afraid of my voice being heard.”
Women Awareness Saving and Credit Cooperative President, Parbati (who is considering branching out into local politics) agrees: “I am confident enough now to stand as a candidate—and I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission either. No doubt, my husband will be first to nominate me.” Non-members have also benefited from the scheme in the village of Bhimbhedi, where support is given if they fall upon hard times.
Cooperative members seem more active and empowered in all ways. In addition to being more aware of women's rights, gender and equality, many are now also receiving training in managing cooperatives and mobilising rural women. Plan continues to work with cooperatives throughout Nepal on capacity building.
Find out more about Plan's work in Nepal
