In the rural village of Panchkhal in Kavre district, women traditionally had limited access to financial services and economic opportunities. Most families relied on subsistence farming, with men often migrating to cities or abroad for work.

In 2021, Akumaya Foundation initiated a women's economic empowerment program in the village. The program began with financial literacy training for 25 women, covering topics such as saving, budgeting, and basic business skills.

Following the training, the women formed a savings cooperative, with each member contributing a small amount weekly. The cooperative provided a safe place for women to save money and access small loans for income-generating activities.

With technical support from the foundation, the cooperative developed clear governance structures and transparent financial management systems. This built trust among members and attracted more women to join.

Today, the cooperative has grown to 120 members and has a capital base of over NPR 1.5 million. Members have used loans from the cooperative to start various small businesses, including vegetable farming, poultry raising, and handicraft production.

"Before joining the cooperative, I had never saved money or made financial decisions. Now, I run a successful vegetable business and have even hired two people from my village," says Sarita Tamang, the current chairperson of the cooperative.

The economic impact of the cooperative extends beyond its members. As women's businesses have grown, they have created jobs for others in the community. The increased economic activity has also led to improved services in the village, including better transportation and market facilities.

The success of the Panchkhal women's cooperative demonstrates how community-based financial institutions can drive economic development in rural areas. By providing women with access to financial services and business support, we can unlock their potential as economic actors and community leaders.