Project - Maheela

Maheela is not just a dhaka clothing and craft shop. Nor is it an isolated way for the Women's Foundation of Nepal (WFN) to generate money for women who weave. It is a belief that all aspects of life are interconnected, and therefore the shop is entwined with all of WFN's other programs.

So, Maheela, while it is a shop, is actually not primarily a store, but a method for making WFN programs and the women they support self-sustaining.

To give some market context, most women who currently sell their goods through shops in Thamel are exploited and receive a very low percentage from shopkeepers. Often, this figure is as low as 5-10% of the net profit. For instance, if they make a shawl that sells for 1000 Nepali Rupees (NRs) with a net profit of 300 NRs, they will only get 15 to 30 NRs for their work. This figure is offensively low, and therefore WFN decided to open its own shop instead of selling through other shopkeepers.

At WFN high goals are set for our women. They are paid 20% of what their goods sell for. Our producers feel good about the fact that 60% of their sales goes to support the projects of WFN and 20% is used to maintain the shop for sale of their goods. High standards mean active strong ethical beliefs, generosity, and a growing network of women helping women, children and families all across Nepal.

Stop in at the store when you are in Kathmandu - you will be greeted warmly. Make a purchase and help WFN's shelter, schools, dhaka program, and farm!