Empowering women guides to become entrepreneur

Asmita was born into a family with two elder sisters and a younger brother. Her father passed away due to illness when she was in kindergarten. Whenever she remembers her father's struggles with alcoholism and the abuse her mother endured, she still feels fear. Despite these hardships, her mother remained strong and determined to provide a better future for her children by working as a carpenter.

After completing grade 10, Asmita secured a good job at OPPO Mobile Company. She took responsibility for her education and enjoyed financial stability, allowing her to travel frequently with friends. However, she fell into bad habits for a few years. Eventually, she realized the need for change and decided to undertake Vipassana meditation, which helped her overcome her addiction and leave her past behind.

During her journey of self-improvement, Asmita learned about the Nepal Mountain Academy, where she trained as a trekking guide. She passed the required exam and obtained a guide license. As she continued to learn about herself, she discovered her dream of climbing Mt. Everest. To establish herself as a skilled trekking guide, she attended the Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN)'s Basic Female Trekking Guide Training, which was a full-day, theoretical one-month program held from January 19 to February 18, 2025 and five month practical field.

The training covered a variety of subjects, including trekking and tourism, geography, map reading, meteorology, Nepalese history, flora and fauna, culture and religion, basic etiquette, women's issues, women's rights, women's health, leadership, team building, safety guidelines, rock climbing, first aid, environmental conservation, and English conversation. The program included 32 young women participants from different districts of Nepal, including Kaski, Humla, Mugu, Syangja, Mustang, Myagdi, Sindhupalchowk, Tanahu, Kavrepalanchok, Parbat, and Sindhuli.

After completing the initial training, participants undergo a five-month paid apprenticeship program where they gain field experience as trainee guides. Through this apprenticeship, they receive immediate financial benefits while learning from senior guides, foreign travelers, and trekking experiences. The program aims to empower women socially, economically, educationally, and psychologically.

During this process, participants develop essential skills and gain confidence to become entrepreneurs. After completing the training, some women continue to work as trekking guides while pursuing higher education, while others start their own businesses after gaining experience. Like previous female trekking guide participants, Asmita aspires to bring positive changes to her family and business, unlocking her hidden potential and contributing to the trekking industry.