Since 2006, through education and enterprise, Steph has devoted more than a decade to changing the lives of over 5,000 disabled and marginalised women in Nepal. At Seven Women’s HQ in Katmandhu fair trade clothing and crafts are created and sold both locally and internationally. In addition Seven Women now operates a cooking school attracting many overseas visitors daily as an income source and important social exchange. Steph strongly believes that “the best way to help is to empower women through trade, not aid”.
The relationship between Seven Women and Hands on Development. Hands on Development offers a tour program of life changing immersions into Nepalese communities for those that wish to help, share and grow through lived experiences.. Hands on Development supports the growth of Seven Women by training and employing local women to become tourist guides allowing diversification of employment pathways. During the immersions travellers participate in Seven Women’s cooking school, literacy and craft classes that fund training, generates local income and confidence building opportunities for the women. In turn, travellers exchange personal skills with local Nepalese women, offering further empowerment to both.
Royal North Shore Hospital School NSW introduced us to Seven Women and Stephanie Woollard when they decided to donate their S.E.A.T Project awareness raising and funds to Seven Women. They continue to do so each year!
One of the learning experiences in S.E.A.T Project Education Program, is to consider the Jane Goodall quote, “Children Can Change The World”. The students research student initiated projects and ‘kids helping other kids’. Thanks to the Royal North Shore Hospital School, Seven Women and Hands On Development are now two of the projects that our students explore. Another example of SEAT’s butterfly effect!
Website: Seven Women
Website: Hands on Development