About Us
The Organization
Established in 1991, Manushi is a non-profit, non- governmental organization aiming to promote the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized women and men in Nepal. Initially founded for the promotion of traditional arts and crafts produced by the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized women, Manushi has now grown and diversified its activities incorporating management and skill training, entrepreneurship development, micro-credit for women, health & environment, and gender concerns directly impacting on women's empowerment and community development. Manushi is a founder member Fair Trade Group Nepal.
Manushi has a firm belief that the promotion of arts and crafts not only helps the poor and disadvantaged women to earn a decent living but also preserves the rich culture, tradition and heritage of Nepal. Starting with a humble beginning, Manushi has now benefited to about 300 producers, 80 percent of whom are women. Manushi has also endeavored to revive several of the almost extinct traditional crafts across the country by reaching these communities and encouraging them to resume production for activities such as the dyes, use of weavings methods and traditional patterns. Manushi also supports eco-friendly development with the use of natural dye on cotton textiles, and sustainable resource management with the use of renewable natural resources, namely Allo/Hemp, Lokta paper and bamboo products.
Mission
To enhance the social and economic status of women and marginalized people and put them at the forefront of human development, through production and marketing of fair trade products, capacity building and community development.
Main Objectives
- Create employment opportunities for poor women
- Develop entrepreneurial skills of women
- Support women’s enterprise and fair trade practices at grassroot levels
- Promote traditional and indigenous handicraft and skills
- Provide Microcredit to poor, disadvantaged and marginalized women
- Consolidate data and information on women in Nepal
- Undertake gender sensitization and gender analysis for target groups
- Encourage partnership, collaboration and joint action with environment and development NGOs and community groups at local and national levels.
