The small-credit project of Helvetas which we helped to support with a contribution of Fr. 5’000 is running, somehow reduced, in spite of the very difficult situation in that area.
It certainly is not only a material help but also a moral support. So many of the men have gone either to Kathmandu or to India for work or just disappeared or were killed. As in so many conflict areas women have taken over the tasks of the men for instance in forestry and other sectors where before they were men’s tasks.
SNS is supporting – together with Helvetas – groups of women in areas inhabited by very low-castes who may apply for short-term credits at advantageous conditions. These are being used for example for breeding goats or buying seeds for cultivating vegetables for the market.
The micro-credit project empowers women from marginalized communities to start small businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods.