Research Officer
Project: Economic Empowerment of Women through the Forest Based Solutions, ( April 2022-April 2024)
Funded by: International Development Research Centre: IDRC
As a Research Officer at ForestAction Nepal, I was instrumental in driving the organization’s initiatives to enhance sustainable forest management and promote gender equality, particularly within the framework of the IDRC-funded project, Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions. I was responsible for developing and implementing robust data collection methodologies, utilizing a mix of quantitative surveys and qualitative ethnographic research. My work involved coordinating extensive fieldwork across Kathmandu, Sindhupalchok, and Nawalpur, where I engaged with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, women entrepreneurs, and forest user groups. This hands-on involvement allowed me to gather in-depth data on socio-economic conditions, forest resource usage, and the challenges faced by women in accessing and controlling these resources.
I led the collection and analysis of complex datasets, synthesizing key findings into detailed reports and actionable insights that directly informed project strategies and recommendations. These insights played a pivotal role in supporting the economic empowerment of 240 women entrepreneurs by securing resource rights, facilitating their participation in forest-based enterprises, and conducting market analyses to ensure their business sustainability. I also developed impactful case studies that helped scale project lessons and foster wider adoption of sustainable forest practices.
In addition to my research duties, I took on leadership roles in gender-focused initiatives, particularly in the ENLIFT 2 project, where I led training programs on gender equality and leadership development for women in natural resource management. I along with my co workers successfully led the restoration of 32,000 plants as part of resource creation efforts and led baseline and endline surveys in collaboration with a team of researchers, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of project data. My contributions were not limited to fieldwork—I also played a key role in organizing workshops and conferences, co-authoring scientific publications, and leading knowledge dissemination activities. This included sharing project findings through international young scientist forums, blogs, and national newspaper articles, amplifying the voices of rural women entrepreneurs and raising awareness about the intersection of gender, forests, and sustainable development.
My work extended beyond research to strategic communication, where I utilized digital storytelling and content creation to highlight the impact of forest-based enterprises on women’s lives. I contributed regularly to forestry journals like Forest and Livelihood and the Nepali journal Hamro Ban Sampadha, while also engaging with international platforms and blogs. Throughout my tenure, I effectively liaised with all three tiers of the Nepalese government and played an active role in policy discussions and labs, advocating for the sustainable use of forest resources and greater gender equity in natural resource governance. My role at ForestAction Nepal equipped me with extensive expertise in forest governance, climate change solutions, and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), making me a key contributor to the success of the organization’s projects and its broader impact on community livelihoods.
Link: https://forestaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/EEWFA-Booklet-English-2023.pdf
Link: https://forestaction.org/teams/aarati-khatri/
