Tewa – Women’s Fund of Nepal is committed to empowering women, girls, intersex, and trans people and advancing gender equity across Nepal. Tewa operates through two main programmatic units: Grantmaking and Philanthropy.
The Grantmaking Unit provides direct grants, capacity-building support, a learning, monitoring and evaluation system, and a mentorship program for its grantee partners. The Philanthropy Unit focuses on local resource mobilization, volunteer engagement, and a children’s program.
Post-Earthquake Relief and Recovery
In the wake of Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquakes, Tewa, in collaboration with Nagarik Aawaz, mobilised immediate relief efforts through the Earthquake Relief Fund (ERF). With over 35 years of collective experience in women’s empowerment, philanthropy, and peacebuilding, we swiftly provided aid to 120 communities across 15 affected districts, reaching over 25,000 households within the first 60 days.
Our relief approach prioritised dignity and inclusion, ensuring support for women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. By distributing financial aid and essential supplies, we enabled communities to rebuild with resilience. Notably, affected families, despite their hardships, donated back $2,000, embodying the spirit of philanthropy.
Beyond immediate relief, Tewa continues to support long-term recovery and community rebuilding. Our experience reinforced the power of trust, swift action, and compassionate service, proving that real change is driven by solidarity, not just resources.
Model Adaptation Initiative
In 2008, Tewa launched the Tewa Model Adaptation Initiative (TMAI) to share its knowledge and expertise in community philanthropy with other women’s organisations. This initiative was designed to promote local fundraising, volunteer development, and grant-making programmes to empower grassroots organisations and expand community-driven philanthropy.
Pokhara, in Kaski district, was chosen as the pilot location, with key organisations such as Sahakarya Nepal, Child and Women Empowerment Society, Nari Sewa Kendra, and Manakamana Sahakari Mahila Bachat Tatha Rin Samuha participating. Each organisation developed a three-year plan, setting ambitious goals to mobilise 200 volunteers, raise Rs. 1,000,000 locally, and provide 40 grants to grassroots women’s groups.
With ongoing support from Tewa, participating organisations have successfully raised Rs. 200,000 through local fundraising efforts. Tewa is grateful to filia.die frauenstiftung, a sister fund from Germany, whose generous support made this initiative possible, fostering self-reliant development and equitable justice at the community level.
Sampanna Campaign
Between April 2011 and March 2014, the Sampanna Campaign (SC) set out to raise $900,000 USD to complete the Deepyogini (Tewa Centre)—a sanctuary for women’s leadership, learning, and empowerment. Led by Tewa’s Founder, Rita Thapa, and Executive Board Chair, Meera Jyoti, alongside a global network of dedicated supporters, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising $1,004,157 USD, with $133,157 USD contributed by Nepali donors alone.
This ambitious initiative enabled the construction of two major buildings—Aanandi and Aanandi 2—along with kitchen annexes, landscaping, a shrine, and other vital infrastructures. The SC Monument, a hand-sculpted 54-foot stone engraving, stands as a testament to the campaign’s success.
Rooted in Tewa’s vision of self-reliance and ethical philanthropy, the campaign united local and global donors, grantee groups, volunteers, and staff in a shared mission. Deepyogini stands today as a beacon of sustainability, empowerment, and community-driven social change—a living example of how committed individuals can shape a more just and equitable future.
MaSaKa: Honouring Women with Gratitude
MaSaKa (Mahila ko Samjhana ra Kadar) is an Honouring Women Campaign conceptualised by Tewa’s Founder, Rita Thapa, in 1999. It celebrates the influence, dedication, and contributions of women—mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends—who have shaped lives and communities.
Through a donation of NPR 30,000 per tribute, MaSaKa supported the creation of Tewa’s Endowment Fund, an initiative to promote philanthropy and financial sustainability. The funds were used to construct Tewa’s training hall, where the names of honoured women are engraved.
With three published editions, MaSaKa has shared inspiring stories and provided a meaningful platform to recognise extraordinary women—both in memoriam and during their lifetime. Tewa remains deeply grateful to its donors for supporting this groundbreaking philanthropic initiative.