Authors: Usha Thakuri, Srijana Baral, Kanchan Lama, Aarati Khatri, HIMAWANTI Nepal,
ForestAction Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract
Approximately 80 per cent of Nepal’s rural population, predominantly women, rely on NonTimber Forest Products (NTFPs) for their livelihoods. Despite ample studies on NTFPs, their
role in economically empowering women is scant. Taking the case from four community forests
in Nawalparasi, this paper examines how NTFPs such as the leaves of Shorea robusta (Sal) and
Phoenix loureiroi Kunth (Thakal) are evident means to empower women. To understand how the
process empowered women, the researchers emphasise their firsthand observations to serve as
valuable data, complemented by key informant interviews (n=55), workshops (n=2), and formal
and informal observations.. The results show that the annual harvestable yield of Sal leaves (3 CFs)
and Thakal leaves are 207020.75 kg and 5089.35 kg respectively. This would create 448565 days
of green employment opportunities for marginalised women and men. The research concludes
that involving women in the inventory process aids in enhanced technical forestry knowledge,
increased control over access to resources, attitude change, and shifts in power relations Hence,
incorporating NTFPs in community forest operational plans and upscaling is recommended to
promote economic, technical, and socio-cultural empowerment for both women and men.
Keywords: Inventory, Operational plans Sal and Thakal Leaves, Green jobs

Full article: Green Enterprises: A pathway to Women’s Economic Empowerment