to thrive
We help empower women in Nepal who have experienced violence or abuse to rebuild their lives.
माथिको हेडरमा धेरै पृष्ठहरूको लागि नेपाली अनुवाद उपलब्ध छ।
We are using a Nepali Google Translate version of SOME pages on this site. Click the language selection drop-down in the top right corner of this page
no words are enough…
We are heartbroken by the tragic events that are unfolding at the site of the horrific flood in Rasuwa. The extent of this tragedy is hard to process. Our overwhelming feelings are sorrow and helplessness. The people of Samunnat Nepal are safe but everyone knows people and communities who are dealing with terrible loss. Communities all over the world have held vigils and stood in solidarity with local Nepalese communities. Here, in Albury-Wodonga, Australia, the messages were simple and moving: we stand with Nepal and we pray for its people.
The people and organisations of Nepal, including Samunnat Nepal, have poured out help and financial support, already giving NPR 5 billion (AUD 45 million) by the first days of September. Several foreign governments have given generously. Individuals have many options to donate funds, either to international aid organisations or the Nepal Prime Ministers relief fund. The effects of this disaster will last for years, the reconstruction will be immense.
the samunnat project
This website is a joint home for Samunnat Nepal and its Australian partner, Samunnat Inc.
Samunnat Nepal, based in Birtamod in eastern Nepal, became a registered Nepali NGO in 2007. It works to empower women who have experienced violence or abuse so that they have greater control of their lives. It provides women with material support, counselling, accommodation, legal representation, income generation training, mentoring and human rights information. It also has a microfinance organisation, Jalkanya Krishi Cooperative, providing small loans to build financial independence. Samunnat’s programs are significantly funded by the sale of jewellery and clothing made by women in its programs.
Samunnat Inc, based in Australia, partners with Samunnat Nepal . It exists to support and to raise funds for the Nepali organisation. In particular, it sells and distributes jewellery and clothing made by the Samunnat women; purchases and provides materials not available in Nepal; liaises with international partners; and raises additional funds. It is a sounding board and a resource for ideas. Its members spend regular time helping to build capacity in Nepal. Several international individuals and communities contribute to this project. From 2024, Samunnat is also receiving generous support from the J.C. Freeman Trust.
People involved in Samunnat believe that sustained change occurs when women drive their own development. Partnerships should be long term and respect local knowledge and expertise. This partnership dates from Samunnat Nepal’s earliest days.
Our values are
Collaboration
Consultation
Compassion
Clear, open communication
Travel with us!
We would love to show you where we are and what we do. You can join a trip across to eastern Nepal and experience our country and the community that we work in - and have fun!
Together with Project Didi Australia, we run annual trips to Nepal that focus on local communities and their traditional creative arts. We travel from Kathmandu to the eastern provinces, visiting the organisations that Samunnat Inc. and Project Didi support and work with. These are unique and wonderful journeys.
Find out more HERE
blog
…and if you’re not buying our wonderful jewellery you are very welcome to donate. Samunnat Nepal welcomes donations that are untied, unless the Board has requested for a specific purpose.
All donations in Australia over $2 are tax deductible
The impact of Samunnat Nepal in its community is remarkable, especially given its small budget and human resources. This is a great strength and a vulnerability.