EWN provides disadvantaged Nepalese women from isolated communities with practical trekking guide training. One month in class is followed by a paid apprentice program with our sister organization 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking. Traditionally, Nepalese women are considered incapable of making their own decisions and employment opportunities are few. EWN creates an enabling environment for trainees to discover inner strengths and talents. We foster their self esteem and confidence. In encouraging questions we break negative stereotypes.
Our aim is to bridge social, cultural and economic divides; for trainees to become strong mentally and physically, take control of their lives, be responsible citizens, and understand that, with opportunities and support, women are equally capable of achieving success in life.
But we do not only want to show our trainees, what they are capable of; we offer them opportunities to dig out their hidden talents and provide them with immediate economic benefit through employment.

The majestic Himalayas have always lured adventurous travelers from all parts of the world to trek in Nepal. Today, tourism is one of the major revenue generators that contribute a substantial percentage to the GDP of the Nepalese economy. Yet, within this booming economy, until 1999 the world of trekking guides was exclusively male. The concept of female trekking guide was unknown until the 3 Sisters realized the need for female guides and that this could help disadvantaged women from isolated mountain communities to find work. While running 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, the sisters realized that they needed an in-depth training program which would allow their staff to be well informed in all aspects of tourism and trekking in Nepal. In 1999, they established EWN, a social enterprise that provides opportunities for disadvantaged women – often from disadvantaged background and isolated villages - to become confident, self-sufficient, and decision-making. After completion of training, 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking provides employment to interested trainees. This holistic combination of training and job placement for Nepalese women is an initiative for which EWN has become well-known nationally and internationally. Former EWN trainees are not only making a decent income, but they are also continuing with higher education, operating enterprises, working for local non-profits in their villages, taking up leadership positions in society, voicing their opinions and demanding their rights.

Though life has been improving for urban girls and women, Nepali women are still expected to act subserviently, are given inferior education compared with their male counterparts and are forced to work without pay or less pay. They are often abused, emotionally and physically, which further contributes to their negative self-image and low personal expectations. Violence and exploitation, including dowry- related violence, domestic abuse, and sexual violence remain serious problems. Poor, rural village women in Nepal have little access to schooling and resources are scarce. Although technically illegal, they are often married at puberty, consigning them to a lifetime of subservience. They are expected to serve their husband’s family, carrying the brunt of the workload in the home and the fields with little reward or thanks. Given a chance to better their lives through education and training, these women can find self-confidence and begin to change attitudes about women’s place in Nepali society. Nepali men travel for employment or trade and women are responsible for the family, the animals and agriculture in harsh remote locations. The woman takes care of everything, even though she has no property right or decision right in the family. Our program specifically targets these women, as that is where we feel the need is greatest. We offer additional accommodation to women from West Nepal and other remote mountain regions. However, we train women from many districts and to date over 1000 trainees have come from 47 of the 75 districts of Nepal.