Nepalese Women’s Stories : Goma Devi Bastola
When Ms. Goma Devi Bastola joined the Rural Women’s Network...
What RUWON is all about
A women-led feminist organization advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through skills, technology, digital inclusion, leadership, and social justice, with a focus on women and girls in Nepal.
Rural Women’s Network Nepal (RUWON Nepal), founded in 2007, is a women-led, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls throughout Nepal.
RUWON Nepal forges inclusive pathways to education, skills, technology, leadership, and economic opportunity, with a focus on women and girls from rural, marginalized, and underserved backgrounds.
At the heart of RUWON Nepal’s work are women’s rights, gender equality, human rights, social inclusion, and digital empowerment.
The organization believes meaningful equality requires women and girls to access services and opportunities, along with the knowledge, skills, confidence, resources, voice, and agency to shape their lives and participate fully in social, economic, civic, and digital spaces.
SHE CAN DIGITAL-IT PROGRAM
Launched in September 2018, the She Can Digital Skills & E-Mentoring Program is RUWON Nepal’s flagship digital empowerment initiative designed to equip young women and girls with the knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and global exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The program addresses barriers to technology access, digital learning, and employment opportunities faced by young women from rural, marginalized, and low-income communities. Through structured digital skills training and international e-mentoring, participants gain the competencies needed to pursue higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and active participation in the digital economy.
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Girls Education Sponsorship
The Empowering Futures: Education Sponsorship for Girls in Government Schools program is a flagship initiative of RUWON Nepal aimed at ensuring that girls from poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged communities have access to quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Despite Nepal’s commitment to free and compulsory education, many girls continue to face financial, social, and family-related barriers that prevent them from completing their studies. Through this program, RUWON Nepal provides educational sponsorship and holistic support to girls enrolled in government schools, helping them remain in school and pursue their educational goals with confidence
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Leadership Development
RUWON Nepal’s Leadership Development for Gender Equality and Capacity Building Program empowers women from rural and marginalized communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective leaders and advocates for positive change.
The training covers leadership development, gender equality, women’s empowerment, human rights, democracy, social justice, and community participation. Participants strengthen their communication, decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills while building confidence to engage in community and public life.
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Water and Pads for School Girls
The Water and Pads for School Girls – Empowerment for Life program is an initiative of RUWON Nepal that promotes menstrual health, hygiene, dignity, and wellbeing among adolescent girls in schools across Nepal.
Every year, RUWON Nepal conducts Menstrual Health and Hygiene Education and Awareness Workshops for adolescent girls, helping them gain accurate knowledge about menstruation, reproductive health, and personal hygiene. The program aims to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and create a supportive environment where girls can manage their periods safely, confidently, and with dignity.
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Parental Awareness
Parents play the most important role in a child's growth and development. Their guidance, encouragement, and involvement help children succeed not only in school but also in life.
With the support of Budhanilkantha Municipality, RUWON Nepal is implementing a Parental Awareness Programme in 18 community schools. The programme aims to strengthen parents' knowledge and awareness so they can better support their children's education, wellbeing, and overall development.
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