Weaving training to help raise families' income

"We will use the skills gained to raise our families' income," this is what four women from the Makwanpur district in Nepal have said on their return from a 45-day training, supported by Plan, on weaving in Kathmandu.

One of the women during their training in Kathmandu

The women had previously participated to a state-run training on weaving four years ago but felt that "during that training some necessary kills and techniques were not covered, together with how to run a business. But now thanks to Plan's support we have learnt more. We know much more and are more confident," said Sitamaya.

During the training, the women learnt to weave shawls, table clothes, handkerchiefs, and many other garments. They were further taught skills on how to run a business from start to finish, how to market their garments, how to keep track of their expenses.

"We are now confident in running our business; we are going to start weaving as a profession to raise our families' income," said Sitamaya.

The women are affiliated with the women cooperatives where they can borrow funds to begin weaving as a commercial profession.