Transforming Care into Livelihoods

FEB 8, 2025

For many women carers in rural Nepal, caring for a family member with mental illness or disability means giving up paid work, mobility, and independence. Their days are devoted to care, yet their contribution remains invisible and unpaid.

LEADS Nepal works to change this reality through livelihood support programmes that help carers earn an income while continuing to care for their families.

All livelihood activities are managed through Carers Cooperatives, women-led community organisations that mobilize savings, reinvest profits, and manage small enterprises collectively.

Each cooperative provides business training, market linkages, and mentoring support so that women carers can gradually become independent entrepreneurs. Profits are reinvested into a revolving cooperative fund, ensuring sustainability and continuous support for new members.

Empowering Women Through Economic Independence

Income from these supports allows carers to meet daily needs, cover medication and school costs, and regain social recognition in their communities.

As women gain financial independence, their confidence grows and stigma related to mental illness and disability begins to fade.

“Before, we depended on others for every expense. Now, through our cooperative, I earn enough from my goats and vegetables to support my children,” shared one member from Baudikali, Nawalpur.