3 Sisters Adventure Trekking (3 Sisters)and Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN) 
- Award Entered:
Sport For Social Inclusion Award - Parent Organisation:
3 Sisters Adventure Trekking (3 Sisters)and Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN) - Project Host Nation:
Nepal - Overview of Project:
EWN has created a unique platform for Nepali women to involve their participation in trekking, rock and ice climbing. Although these adventure sports have a long history in Nepal, women’s participation in such sports has been minimal or non-existent. Today, because of EWN’s outdoor training, Nepali women are transforming themselves by building their self-esteem and confidence, harnessing their skills and knowledge, thereby simultaneously earning money to support themselves and their families. EWN works closely with 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, a sister organization that provides employment opportunities to interested EWN trainees who have the desire to improve their lives. Thus, by applying this holistic approach of training and job placement, Nepali women achieve economic independence, gain confidence, and build self-esteem. For many trainees it is mainly about self-discovery and using the resources available to improve themselves and move on to other careers that they desire. In Nepal, trekking, rock and ice climbing were considered “technically impossible” for women because these were perceived as challenging sports/professions for women and only men took part in it. However, EWN’s regular training, have proven that given the opportunity, education, technical skills, mentoring and support; women can also dream, become involved, participate, and be successful.
Key Dates
- January 18, 2010 Beyond Sport Awards 2010, Open for Entries.
- April 16, 2010 Beyond Sport Awards 2010, Close for Entries.
- June 1, 2010 Beyond Sport Awards 2010, Shortlisted Projects Revealed.
- September 29-30, 2010 Beyond Sport Summit 2010, Awards' Winners Unveiled.
Comments
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Samundra Paudel: 11 Aug 2010 - 14:05 BST
Congratulations...Lucky Sister and EWN Family ! I'm privileged to involved in some of the programs of EWN. I've also taken session of leadership and entrepreneurship for participants of adventurous sports training in EWN. Its really motivating to know the energies of participants in training program which were come from remote areas of Nepal. They are energized to working and take profession of rock and ice climbing. EWN is motivating Nepalese Women for this challenging job. Samundra Paudel, President, Alternatives, www.alternativesnepal.org.np
Lorraine Aubert: 05 Aug 2010 - 01:36 BST
EWN has done so much for the rural women of Nepal. The women who have gone through EWN's training program are confident and independent. When I trekked with 3 Sisters in 2009, I was amazed at how my guide, Shanti, showed such leadership in taking care of the daily responsibilities of payment, organization, guiding, & leading other staff members. She always seemed to know what each of us trekkers needed at one time or another. She was acutely observant. While in Pokhara, I also had the opportunity to volunteer with EWN in the office for 2 weeks. Lucky, Dicky, and Nicky are all strong, intelligent, caring women who have dedicated their lives to helping Nepali women. I am honored to be able do anything to help support EWN & 3 Sisters.
Sandra Shaw: 30 Jul 2010 - 06:00 BST
I was privileged to trek with The 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking Company as early as 1999. At that time they were still formulating their ideas and plans for EWN. I have stayed in touch with the Sisters and others in their family over these last 10-11 years, revisited them, trekked with them and experienced trekking with some of the Nepali women who have had life-changing experiences because of the opportunities, vision and example of this amazing organization and the women who make it run. The Sisters and their dedicated family and other staff have poured their hearts, souls, time and earnings from their business and other financial support into helping women learn to value themselves, stretch themselves, think for themselves, become physically strong, learn practical wage earning skills, gain independence and learn that their dreams can come true with hard work, discipline and teamwork. Being American, I liken the Sisters to the early leaders of the Women's Movement in America for their courage, vision and the social change they have helped bring about for the women in Nepal. They have trained hundreds of Nepali women by now and helped change the face of trekking and the status of women in Nepal for good. They have also introduced and taught ecological and conservation principles to their trainees; evaluated remote areas of Nepal and villages for community development projects that will help these impoverished villages to begin to identify and meet some of their basic needs for income and community health and welfare. They are training indigenous leadership and educating women and villagers to help themselves. They are also helping the next generation of Nepali females by identifying young females they find in indentured servitude in outlying villages. They buy out their contracts and take them back to Pokara where they provide a home, meals, schooling, love and the sense of family most every child thrives in. It seems where they see a need, they work hard and harder to find a way to begin addressing it. I find the Chhetri sisters, Lucky, Nicky and Dicky as well as their niece Archana and others who work with them, to be some of the most selfless, courageous, loving, talented, hard-working and effective social change organizers I have ever had the privilege to know. Supporting their work and bringing it to the world's attention will, I promise you, enable them to touch and transform the lives of hundreds and then thousands more Nepali women in ways they're just beginning to identify. They live what they teach, they teach what they live - human dignity, human worth and a loving respectful relationship with all of life, which enlarges the human soul and brings us all closer.
Nar Bahadur Rai: 25 Jul 2010 - 15:05 BST
After having worked as a trekking guide at 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking since 1998, it has become clear to me that that this organization is fair, transparent, and inspiration for Nepali women, men, and the entire world. We are paid a fair salary/ wages. Our salary is higher than the prevailing government rate for our work. We are given the guarantee of social security, such as medical allowances, facility for provident fund, and insurance to those who have been working on basis of permanent staff. Due to the tremendous contribution and competent leadership of 3 Sisters and EWN, Nepali women who were confined in the household have stepped out to break the old customs of inequality and discrimination to become independent, skilled, confident, and self-supportive. Many EWN trainees are working part-time and supporting their education. Many have returned to their villages and are actively engaged in various non-profits, some have started their own business, and many have moved to other tourism and non-tourism related professions. It is high time to look forward to three thousand more Lucky, Dicky, and Nicky, founders of 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking and EWN who will dedicate their lives for such a noble work. I express my profound gratitude to three sisters, Lucky, Dicky, and Nicky. I am really proud to be a lucky husband of one the female trekking guide produced by 3 Sisters and EWN. Sincerely, Nar. Bahadur Rai (Indra Rai)
Wendy J. Nyquist: 12 Jul 2010 - 20:36 BST
I had the privilege of trekking with the 3 Sisters 10 years ago and again this past November. Both experiences were amazing, but most remarkable was the change in the notoriety of EWN and the 3 Sisters among the Nepali villagers along the trails. We were frequently greeted by smiles and, Ah, 3 Sisters! Many of those smiles came from village women themselves. What inspiring role models and service this organization provides to Nepali women from all castes and socio-economic levels. What a difference they make in young women's and girl's lives! I hope more organizations world-wide can learn from their model and the work they do.
Lisa Clark: 05 Jul 2010 - 15:44 BST
Beyond Sport has chosen a superb candidate in EWN & 3 Sisters! I had the privilege of being involved with EWN from the early days of 1998 when it was just a fragile seedling with immense ideas and dreams. With undying determination and hard work, always keeping the empowerment of women at the core, one by one these dreams have become a reality. It is awe inspiring to witness the progress, the boundaries that have been crossed and the cultural attitudes that have been broken down over the past decade. EWN & 3 Sisters continuously set their sights on the next goal and using all their resources wisely, accomplish seemingly insurmountable tasks and then set another goal to further support women empowerment. I have nothing but admiration, love and respect for the work of 3 Sisters & EWN and for all the Nepali & foreign women who work with such dedication and compassion to make it a huge success and a great benefit to women kind. :-)
Gera van Wijk: 02 Jul 2010 - 08:17 BST
It's absolutely great to see 3 Sisters Adventure and EWN shortlisted in this category. I have known both organisations and their founders since 1999 and have great admiration for what they are doing and have achieved. Their programmes have impacted the lives of many, many Nepalis women and their families. 3 Sisters Adventure and EWN have made a profound change in the Nepali trekking industry. When I did my first trek in the Himalayas in 1999, female (assistant) guides were rare and hardly accepted. This is no longer the case when you go trekking now.
Catriona R.: 12 Jun 2010 - 11:11 BST
Well deserved recognition for 3 Sisters and EWN. I've spent the last 3 winters volunteering with EWN and each time have taken the opportunity to go trekking with a trainee guide from 3 Sisters - fantastic experiences that I would recommend to anyone interested in learning about the lives of Nepali women. It is wonderful to see how the women gain in self-confidence and improve their skills as they go through the training cycle and apprenticeship with 3 Sisters. It's a joy to return a year later and discover who have become guides since my last visit. Many of the women use the money earned to support not just their own further education, but that of family members as well, so help Nepali women and go trekking with 3 Sisters!
Antonella Notari: 10 Jun 2010 - 11:08 BST
I haven't had the chance to trek with the three sisters so far but I'm certainly planning on it! We were fortunate to have Lucky at the first WomenChangeMakers' workshop in Geneva last month and her contributions to our discussions on what makes a social entrepreneur successful were extremely valuable and insightful. Lucky and her sisters took on a big challenge by mounting a business in the tourism industry led by women and offering employment to women and they have done so in keeping a open mind towards innovation, respect for people and the environment and with a sense of fun! Good luck to you, three sisters, to us you are winners already!
Lisa Hoffe,: 03 Jun 2010 - 19:50 BST
Congratulations Lucky and to 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking! I spent time with this wonderful organization in 2005 and made a short film about their work entitled Trailblazing Find a video clip about their work on the film's website at www.trailblazing.ca Congrats Lucky! Warm Regards, Lisa
Joelle R.: 02 Jun 2010 - 06:57 BST
I trekked with 3 sisters adventure trekking in Nepal and it was fantastic! My female guide and porter were amazing and so professional. It was a wonderful experience and it's so great to know that the money I paid for the trek went to train underprivileged women and give women the opportunity to learn a profession and become self supportive. My trekking guide Dhanmaya finances her Bachelor studies with the money she earns by working for 3 sisters. Her objective is to become a Geography teacher and I'm sure she will make it. She would never have been able to finance these studies without the help of 3 sisters. I volunteered for EWN for three months and I can confirm that these women make the most of every penny to help the community and dedicate all their energy to run their programs all over Nepal. I can highly recommend trekking with 3 sisters as well as coming to Pokhara as a volunteer to help them and live the experience of your life. Needless to say, meeting the 3 sisters and their family is already a wonderful experience! I wish them the best of luck !!! Joelle