Since 1984, LWF World Service is supporting vulnerable populations in Nepal, including refugees, host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and those facing socio-economic, climate, and disaster-related risks. LWF Nepal has focused on empowering marginalized groups such as women and girls, persons with disabilities, Dalits, youth, ex-bonded laborers, and indigenous communities. By strengthening community-based organizations, LWF Nepal works to amplify these groups' voices and increase their participation in efforts to secure equitable access to livelihoods, quality services, and social protection.
A key pillar of LWF Nepal’s work is promoting gender and social inclusion through targeted affirmative actions, ensuring that marginalized groups are better represented and supported in society. LWF Nepal also engages closely with the government, recognizing it as the duty-bearer in addressing the needs of these communities, while fostering collaboration with the private sector and other development partners to achieve its goals. Through these partnerships, LWF Nepal continues to advance social cohesion, protection, and resilience within vulnerable communities.
To sustain her livelihoods, Nilam Tharu from Bardiya, Western Nepal, completed a 1 month Thakal (Wallich thistle) handicraft training. As a result, Tharu women started their businesses, crafting Thakal handicrafts like bags, hats and flower pots.
“Education was never an option for me, I had to leave school after the eighth grade and was married off early. It wasn’t just because of poverty, but also the scars left by my Kamalari years.”
As a TEP facilitator, Himlata Chaudhary from Kailali leads training sessions designed to empower women and marginalized communities. In one session, she uncovered a case of double marriage and guided the affected woman in taking legal action. “I know what it feels like to be silenced. I couldn’t let her go through that,” she explained. Her work extends beyond the classroom as she actively campaigns against GBV and raises awareness about the rights of women and marginalized groups. Himlata’s ability to turn her traumatic past into a source of strength and advocacy is nothing short of inspiring.
Himlata Chaudhary from Kailali, a TEP Faciilator
Saugat Chaudhary (22), Community Business Facilitator, Kailali
“Instead of going to India to work, I would rather expand my Saugat Agriculture and Livestock Farm. Once I recover fully from the appendix surgery complications I had last year, I might even pursue advanced agriculture studies.”
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Local voices, local actions
In Belauri, Kanchanpur, ex-bonded labor women group have turned discarded leaves into a thriving business through support from LWF Nepal and Needs Nepal. Training sessions equipped them with skills to produce high-quality leaf plates, providing them with financial independence. Their success has inspired others as well after they established the Srijanshil Female Leaf Plate Factory. "We are glad and thankful that those leaves, once considered waste, can now be turned into money," said Sunita Chaudhary, Chairperson of the local farmer group. Beyond income, this initiative gives confidence, leadership, and community contribution. The Leaf Plate Factory being promoted by LWF Nepal exemplifies the power of collective enterprise, demonstrating how sustainable businesses can transform lives and strengthen communities.
A women group from Kanchanpur, after collecting leaf for making leaf-plates from jungle.
“Working with local actors has allowed us to work with the most marginalized communities. We focus on strengthening community resilience and quality programming through our hardworking staff. With our local-to-global-to-local advocacy and lobbying, we gather evidence to influence the rights of the most marginalized are well protected.”
Jobs
LWF World Service is regularly looking for new staff to work in the field. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. Our work is people-centred and community-based.
Contacts
Matendo Lokiru Yohana, Regional Program Coordinator (Geneva)
Email: [email protected]
Bijaya Bajracharya, Country Director in Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Partners
- ACT Alliance
- Australian Aid
- Australian Lutheran World Service
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
- German National Committee
- Kerk in Actie
- Alongside Hope
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- Olive Branch Foundation