Ocean Vertical are proud to be working with 3Sisters Trekking and their Non-Profit Empowering Women of Nepal. In Autumn 2024 will be the second year we have delivered the Nepal Trekking Expedition across the Annapurna Region of Nepal in partnership with 3 Sisters Trekking. Mollie Hughes, Director of Ocean Vertical says,
“As an ethical adventure company, we are incredibly pleased to partner with 3 Sisters Trekking. The work they have achieved for women’s equality in Nepal over the last 30 years is incredibly inspiring and it is a privilege to be able to support this empowering development of female trekking guides for years to come."
The Female Trekking Guide Training (FTGT) Programme
Twice a year 3Sisters Trekking and their Non-Profit Empowering Women of Nepal run their Female Trekking Guide Training Programme.
This training programme is an intensive four-week programme based out of Pokhara, Nepal. The average age of participants is 20 years old and there is a max of 40 participants for each programme.
Between the years 1999 to 2019 EWN trained over 2000 women from 52 districts of Nepal!
For every £195 Ocean Vertical manage to raise through our crowdfunder, a woman will be able to attend the one month training programme which includes 155 hours classroom training and 56 hours field based training.
For those from remote communities, two months of accommodation will be provided so these women can focus fully on the programme and have the opportunity to network to support their future career opportunities.
Striving for Gender Equality in Nepal
The Female Trekking Guide Training programme and the money your donation will support addresses the pressing need for gender equality and economic empowerment in Nepal's tourism industry.
Despite progress in recent years, women in Nepal continue to face systemic barriers to employment and advancement, particularly in male-dominated sectors like trekking and tourism. This disparity not only continues gender inequalities but also limits the economic opportunities available to women, especially those from marginalized communities.
The lack of skilled female trekking guides further increases this issue, as it restricts women's access to employment opportunities in one of Nepal's most lucrative industries. The FTGT program aims to dismantle these barriers by providing marginalized women with the necessary training and support to become qualified trekking guides, thereby empowering them to overcome socio-cultural norms, access sustainable livelihoods, and serve as inspirations for future generations.
Additionally, FTGT offers a six-month paid apprenticeship program to further facilitate women's integration into the tourism workforce, fostering both economic independence and gender inclusivity within Nepal's trekking industry.
On behalf of Ocean Vertical and 3 Sisters Trekking, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for your support.
For further information about Empowering Women of Nepal, please click here.
For further information about the Nepal Trekking Expedition November 2024, please visit this link.