Nepalese Women’s Stories : Goma Devi Bastola
When Ms. Goma Devi Bastola joined the Rural Women’s Network...
What RUWON is all about
A women-led feminist organization advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through skills, technology, digital inclusion, leadership, and social justice, with a focus on women and girls in Nepal.
Rural Women’s Network Nepal (RUWON Nepal), founded in 2007, is a women-led, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls throughout Nepal.
RUWON Nepal forges inclusive pathways to education, skills, technology, leadership, and economic opportunity, with a focus on women and girls from rural, marginalized, and underserved backgrounds.
At the heart of RUWON Nepal’s work are women’s rights, gender equality, human rights, social inclusion, and digital empowerment.
The organization believes meaningful equality requires women and girls to access services and opportunities, along with the knowledge, skills, confidence, resources, voice, and agency to shape their lives and participate fully in social, economic, civic, and digital spaces.
RUWON Nepal tackles the deep-rooted barriers facing women and girls, from poverty and unequal access to education and technology, to discrimination, exclusion, and threats to health and well-being.
The organization champions digital safety, digital rights, and responsible technology use, and ensures women and girls are included in Nepal’s evolving digital society.
Since its establishment, RUWON Nepal has implemented programs and community initiatives across rural communities and urban areas, including Kathmandu.
Its work includes education, digital literacy and skills development, women’s economic empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurship, mentoring, advocacy, networking, community mobilization, and awareness-raising.
Through these efforts, RUWON Nepal supports women and girls to build practical skills, confidence, leadership, independence, and access to new opportunities.
With technology reshaping education, employment, communication, and civic life, RUWON Nepal weaves digital inclusion and tech-driven empowerment into its vision for gender equality and social justice.
The organization strives to close the digital gender gap, ensuring women and girls—especially those facing barriers—can play an active role in Nepal’s digital future.
RUWON Nepal champions technology as a catalyst for empowerment, learning, opportunity, leadership, advocacy, connection, and social transformation.
The organization empowers women and girls to master digital skills, access vital information and networks, pursue entrepreneurship, amplify their voices, and navigate digital spaces with confidence and safety.
The organization works collaboratively with local communities, women’s groups, civil society organizations, government institutions, educational institutions, technology and private-sector partners, and national and international networks.
Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and community-based action, RUWON Nepal seeks practical and sustainable solutions that advance gender equality, inclusion, and opportunity.
RUWON Nepal imagines a future where technology and skills open doors to equality, not exclusion.
The organization is committed to ensuring every woman and girl can learn, connect, lead, innovate, and shape her own destiny.
Our Vision
An inclusive and equitable Nepal where every woman and girl can access knowledge, skills, technology, opportunities, and leadership, and participate fully in society without discrimination.
Our Mission
To empower women and girls through inclusive education, digital skills, technology, leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community action, while advancing gender equality, human rights, digital inclusion, and social justice.
Our Slogan
Inclusive Digital Futures Through Skills
Our Core Focus
Feminism • Digital Inclusion • Skills • Technology • Leadership • Human Rights • Social Justice
International Recognition
RUWON Nepal holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This prestigious status is granted to non-governmental organizations that demonstrate significant contributions to economic and social development. It enables RUWON Nepal to engage with the United Nations system, participate in international forums, contribute to policy discussions, and advocate globally for the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
Through its dedication to education, empowerment, leadership development, and advocacy, RUWON Nepal continues to create opportunities for women and girls to lead dignified, independent, and successful lives.
Legal Status and Registration
RUWON Nepal is legally registered and recognized by the relevant government authorities in Nepal:
District Administration Office (DAO), Sindhuli
Registration No.: 452/2063
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
PAN No.: 302554779
Social Welfare Council (SWC), Nepal
Affiliation No.: 25700
Banking Information
Account Holder: Rural Women’s Network Nepal
Bank: Prabhu Bank
Branch: Kapan Branch, Kathmandu
Account Number: 1070152588400012
SWIFT/BIC Code: PRVUNPKA
Bank Address: Budhanilakantha Municipality–10, Kapan, Kathmandu, Nepal
SHE CAN DIGITAL-IT PROGRAM
Launched in September 2018, the She Can Digital Skills & E-Mentoring Program is RUWON Nepal’s flagship digital empowerment initiative designed to equip young women and girls with the knowledge, practical skills, confidence, and global exposure needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The program addresses barriers to technology access, digital learning, and employment opportunities faced by young women from rural, marginalized, and low-income communities. Through structured digital skills training and international e-mentoring, participants gain the competencies needed to pursue higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and active participation in the digital economy.
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Girls Education Sponsorship
The Empowering Futures: Education Sponsorship for Girls in Government Schools program is a flagship initiative of RUWON Nepal aimed at ensuring that girls from poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged communities have access to quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Despite Nepal’s commitment to free and compulsory education, many girls continue to face financial, social, and family-related barriers that prevent them from completing their studies. Through this program, RUWON Nepal provides educational sponsorship and holistic support to girls enrolled in government schools, helping them remain in school and pursue their educational goals with confidence
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Leadership Development
RUWON Nepal’s Leadership Development for Gender Equality and Capacity Building Program empowers women from rural and marginalized communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective leaders and advocates for positive change.
The training covers leadership development, gender equality, women’s empowerment, human rights, democracy, social justice, and community participation. Participants strengthen their communication, decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills while building confidence to engage in community and public life.
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Water and Pads for School Girls
The Water and Pads for School Girls – Empowerment for Life program is an initiative of RUWON Nepal that promotes menstrual health, hygiene, dignity, and wellbeing among adolescent girls in schools across Nepal.
Every year, RUWON Nepal conducts Menstrual Health and Hygiene Education and Awareness Workshops for adolescent girls, helping them gain accurate knowledge about menstruation, reproductive health, and personal hygiene. The program aims to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and create a supportive environment where girls can manage their periods safely, confidently, and with dignity.
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Parental Awareness
Parents play the most important role in a child's growth and development. Their guidance, encouragement, and involvement help children succeed not only in school but also in life.
With the support of Budhanilkantha Municipality, RUWON Nepal is implementing a Parental Awareness Programme in 18 community schools. The programme aims to strengthen parents' knowledge and awareness so they can better support their children's education, wellbeing, and overall development.
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