Women Professionals in Land Use Sector Factsheet
- Founded in 1997
- WfWP member since 2008
- Mission: To creating critical mass of women professionals through building their capacity and mobilize them for empowerment of rural women
- Focus area: Nepal
- Level: National, regional
- Main themes: Agriculture, community participation, environment, natural resources, drinking water, irrigation, education, capacity development
- Beneficiaries:95
- Staff:2
- Volunteers:25
- Members:172
- Annual budget (average): €5500
Milestones
Women Professionals in Land Use Sector (WPLUS) is a professional association of women professionals working in agriculture and natural resources management in Nepal. Members have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the field of natural resources and come from various backgrounds in agriculture, rural development, livestock, forestry, geography, water resources, environment science, natural resources law, sociology, anthropology, development studies and other related disciplines. A number of women have experience in gender mainstreaming in agriculture and natural resources management.
Professional women who work in this sector have been facing several constraints, such as socio-cultural norms, inadequate professional skills to match with the context in which they have to work, low levels of confidence and lack of gender sensitive policies of related organizations. This has led to low levels of inputs and professionalism in the development of these sectors throughout the country.
The group consists of both experienced as well fresh women graduates. On one hand, the more experienced professionals come together to share their valuable professional experiences, and learn from each other, while at the same time serve as role models for the younger women. The advantage of the networking has helped younger women interested in internship and work opportunities as well.
WPLUS as a forum or network has helped bring women professionals together so that they work out through the constraints they face in their respective work spheres by conducting activities that help enhance their capabilities. WPLUS members today have contributed in policy making, worked as development practitioners and agents of change. The association aims to strengthen and promote the role of women professionals in natural resources management at all levels through:
- Creating a forum for exchanging and sharing experiences
- Improving the capabilities and increase the self-confidence of its members
- Advocacy and assistance in implementation of gender sensitive policies and practices in organizations.
- Collection and dissemination of information on gender and natural resources management
- Networking and cooperation with like-minded organizations
- Advocating the establishment of a gender resource centre/library in Nepal
