From Agricultural Worker, to a Cafe owner -the long-lasting impact of Skill development trainings- in the Kathmandu Valley

It’s a Sunday morning during monsoons in Lalitpur, a settlement on the outskirts of Kathmandu City and Krishna Debi is preparing Chattamari, fondly called ‘Nepali Pizza’ for some customers who sought refuge in her cafe as it began raining.

In Nepal, Women Entrepreneurs take on the Cardamom Business

The imposing hills of Taplejung, a district in Eastern Nepal, are carpeted with large cardamom plantations.

One of Nepal’s leading large cardamom producing districts, Taplejung contributes the world’s largest output of the valuable spice.

Taplejung is also the place Lila Devi Dahal calls home. Dahal started off in 1998 as a home-based worker alongside her husband—in Nepal, home-based workers produce goods or services for the market from within or around their own homes.

A New Era for Himalayan Large Cardamom

The Eastern Himalayas straddle three South Asian nations, Nepal, India, and Bhutan, which also happen to be the main producers of large cardamom, a specialty spice that enjoys wide appeal across South Asia and the Middle East.

Recently, large cardamom has captured newer ground, making headway in European markets and the United States.

While international borders divide South Asia, the large cardamom value chains and its production in Nepal, India, and Bhutan share many similarities.

Who We Are

fp who we are

A democratic and representative Network of home-based worker organisations across South Asia.

What We Do

fp what we do

We strengthen the visibility and voice of vulnerable women home-based workers and advocate for their rights to decent lives and livelihoods.

Get Involved

fp mget involved

Join our Network if you are a HBW organisation in South Asia or sign up for regular updates on the Network’s activities and achievements!

Videos

Sharda Mishra: Leading home-based workers in Budhanilkantha Municipality with skills and resilience

How Payalben Hiteshbhai Ranat became a community leader

Yamuna Shrestha: A look at how organising changes mindsets

Roop Laxmi Dulal: 12 years of creativity, leadership & advocacy for home workers

Kamala Shrestha: Cultivating growth & empowering 60+ women through leadership

Binu Maharjan : Building a stronger future for home-based workers in Lalitpur

Bimala Budathoki: 12 years of crafting change and leading women in Bhaktapur

Payal Rana's fight for fair wages & equality

Nisha Sapkota: Claiming basic amenities for her community

Hena Akhtar Rupa: Advocating against violence in the workplace

Smriti Akter Sumi's fight against injustice & boosting sales

Sahana Akter's Journey of Empowerment & Digital Skills

Conversations, communication, and confidence: Mukta’s journey of finding her voic

The power of home-based workers united: Laxmi Darji shares her experiences

Farzana’s story of achieving social empowerment

Justice through empowerment: Shamima Akter’s story of transforming communities

Bringing about real-world change: Bhawana KC’s leadership impact

How Rashida Akhtar Nipa empowered the home-based workers of Sylhet

Innovation, support and success: Champaben Ravat’s journey

INDIA Delhi Srinagar Hyderabad Lahore Karachi Rawalpindi Mumbai Udaipur Tirupur Ambur Thimphu Dhaka Feni Shariatpur Jamalpur Khulna Kathmandu Colombo Male Villingili Kudhahuvadhoo Kulhudhuffushi Thulhaadhoo Mahibadhoo Sambalpur Indore BANGLADESH BHUTAN NEPAL PAKISTAN SRI LANKA MALDIVES HOMENET SOUTH ASIAProject Locations Click on country name to see moreMap is representative and not to scale

Join Us

Recent Reports

Our Funders and Partners

HNSA 2025 Digital Calendar