Investing in Women
Many women in Surkhet struggle with unsafe living environments, lack of access to education, and little economic opportunities. The women entering our programs are reflective of our community.
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94% have experienced domestic or gender-based violence.
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32% have had no access to schooling.
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97% report little or no knowledge of their legal rights.
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51% were married before the age of 19.
Behind each of these numbers is a vulnerable yet resilient woman with powerful potential. The magic of the center lies in the strength and determination of women.
Programs
We provide vocational training to
meet women’s technical interests
and the changing market in our
region. Training has included
sewing and tailoring, traditional
weaving, and cosmetology as well
as non-traditional fields: electrical
work, farming, and earth brick
making. Through these programs,
graduates can seek dignified
careers, find higher-paying jobs,
and pursue new economic
opportunities. Independent women
build stronger families and
communities.
We provide individual and group
counseling, mediation, legal
support, and general stress and
trauma care.
Empowerment courses help with
basic education, build confidence
and self-advocacy skills, learn
about health and wellness, and
understand women’s rights.
Impact
Women are finding independence
and taking control of their livelihoods as they enter new jobs and start their own businesses!
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391 women have graduated from vocational and empowerment training
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75% of recent graduates reported an increase in monthly or yearly income
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Over 1000 women have participated in community empowerment workshops.
Past graduates are leading the
way, mentoring current trainees,
and setting an example for girls in
the community.
Target Demography
Admissions for programs invites all female guardians and community members who demonstrate
a socio-economic need. Historically, we specifically targeted women who experienced domestic
abuse. With time we learned that in some cases such criteria led to women falsely reporting abuse
during admissions in order to qualify. We will instead continue to prioritize women with the most
economic need. Most programs are designed to be accessible to everyone regardless of
educational attainment. However, in some cases the coursework requires the participant to be able
to read and write in which case their educational attainment is considered for admission. Finally,
women are selected based on perceived motivation and ability to successfully complete the course
and use their new technical skills to advance themselves. This is vetted through the admissions
process.
