Events / Activities Details

Business Fair for grassroot women to develop linkage with the market

The Pradarshani Tatha Bikri Mela (Exhibition and Sales Fair) was organized as a one-day market promotion event to enhance the economic empowerment of women through improved market access for locally produced goods. The event was organized by Community Women Forum with financial support from the HAWAIRO Commission on 17th October 2024, Thursday in the premises of Kalimati Vegetable Market. It was organized as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and local economic development. The venue was selected due to its high consumer flow, enabling effective exposure and sales opportunities for participating women. The fair served as a platform for women-led cooperatives and groups to showcase, promote, and sell their products directly to consumers.

The key objectives of the exhibition and sales fair was to promote products produced by women-led cooperatives and groups and to provide direct market access and income-generating opportunities for women entrepreneurs. It was also intended to  enhance visibility of locally produced, traditional, and value-added products and to strengthen women’s confidence and skills in marketing and business interaction. 

A total of 13 women cooperatives and 1 women’s group participated in the fair. Women entrepreneurs from different communities actively engaged in displaying and selling their products. 

The exhibition featured a wide range of locally produced and value-added goods, including processed food items (spices, lentils, pickles, beaten rice, popcorn, and traditional snacks), Household and cleaning products (soaps, detergents, incense, candles), Handicrafts and decorative items (crystal malas, garlands, handicraft products), Clothing, footwear, bags, and accessories along with agricultural and organic products, including fresh vegetables. All products were produced and processed by women affiliated with cooperatives and groups.

The fair generated encouraging financial results. According to the sales records maintained during the event, the total sales volume amounted to NPR 159,870. The direct sales model enabled women entrepreneurs to retain full earnings from their products, contributing positively to household income and cooperative sustainability.

This event has helped to improved market access for women-led cooperatives and groups increasing income-generation opportunities for participating women. It has also enhanced visibility and recognition of locally produced and traditional products strengtheing marketing confidence and customer interaction skills among women entrepreneurs. The event has also fostered collaboration and networking among cooperatives. 

However, the limited display space during peak hours affected product visibility. It is also realized that some products required improved packaging, labeling, and branding to better compete in the market. Similar product categories among participants created competition, highlighting the need for product diversification

In conclusion, it is realized that the Pradarshani Tatha Bikri Mela successfully met its objectives of promoting women’s entrepreneurship and enhancing market access for women-produced goods. The strong participation, active consumer engagement, and satisfactory sales outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of such initiatives in supporting women’s economic empowerment. Continued donor support for similar market linkage activities, combined with capacity-building interventions on product development and branding, will further strengthen the sustainability and impact of women-led enterprises.