Around 30 women attended the program representing 6 of the groups to complete the education and training component of the program. The first item on the agenda was an opportunity for anyone to share their experiences of the program and running their business. We were quite surprised to see the excitement and enthusiasm in the women as they shared their stories of hard work and determination to make their businesses a success. 
There was one group of women that really stood out. They started a candle making business which is a fantastic idea in Kathmandu where there are regular blackouts! This group had already paid back their seed money loan, and had even started a second bank account where they store profits that can be used by any member in their group as a loan if they want to start another business. From this second loan account one of their women then started her own bakery/coffee shop. She has now paid back her loan and made enough to open a second bakery/coffee shop - she is franchising! What is even more inspiring about this story is that the woman with the bakeries was married at 9 years of age, she is now 29 and has a 15 year old son. When she started the program she was completely illiterate having never been to school.
There were some similar stories of success however there were also some groups who were struggling. The second session provided a chance for them to share their challenges amongst their peers, who could then provide moral support as well as practical suggestions. The challenges some of the women were facing were not unusual in Nepal and could really be summarised as a lack of confidence combined with inability to commit the time/effort necessary to get the business off the ground. Remember many of these women come from domestic helper backgrounds and must continue this work whilst they are setting up their business. A number of the women also face hostile attitudes at home which can be very demoralising.The more successful groups were a great support to these women. They told them that they had faced similar hurdles but by sticking together and supporting each other in the group they were able to succeed. I think this message really got through to the women and it was wonderful to see a real mentoring relationship developing.
After a quick lunch it was time for some of the group who had new business ideas to share them and get feedback and suggestions from the group. This again proved to be very productive and you could see the increased motivation and determination in the women as their confidence grew knowing they had the support of everyone present.
The final session for the day was given by Bec who introduced the concept of dreaming and how one small dream can lead to some amazing inventions and business ideas. Following on from this she introduced our Defying Gravity scholarship program and strongly urged the women present to think about applying. The program provides larger scholarships to women who have a larger business plan that will benefit many through employment and the type of business it is. The program includes financial assistance, ongoing mentoring, skills training if needed, and market sourcing. A number of the women were extremely keen to get involved in this program and judging by the successes so far, it is going to be huge!
As everyone left in the afternoon it was heartening to see women exchanging phone numbers, obviously new friendships and support networks had been formed, and existing ones were strengthened. It was an honour to spend the day with such a hard working and inspiring group of women. It left us with no doubt that it is women and girls who are the future of development in countries like Nepal.
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