Wawcas International

WAWCAS, or Women At Work, Children At School, is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in some of the poorest regions of Nepal. These women often start with little to no resources, but through WAWCAS’s 16-month training and supervision program, they graduate as capable business owners, connected to a supportive network of like-minded professionals. Their newfound financial independence enables them to send their children to school, offering a brighter future for their families. By June 2023, 6,900 women had participated in the program, and the results are remarkable: 95% of their businesses are still operating after five years, with a 98% repayment rate on the seed money they receive, which is reinvested to help future participants. Moreover, 98% of the children are provided with stable, quality education, and there has been a notable reduction in domestic violence and alcohol misuse among husbands. The success of these women extends beyond their households, impacting the entire community. Many of the women become role models, proving that even in poverty, lives can be fundamentally changed. The training is conducted by WAWCAS-certified Local Program Leaders, who undergo a 17-month certification process themselves, ensuring ongoing bi-monthly training, home visits, and business follow-ups to support these women’s journey to success.