Kathmandu. Met Life Foundation in collaboration with Plan International Nepal has launched the second phase of the Youth Economic Empowerment Project in Sabaila Municipality and Sahidnagar Municipality of Dhanusha District. This phase will help especially marginalized youth, especially young women, to increase access to dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The $80,000 fund-funded initiative aims to address the employment challenges seen in Nepal, where youth unemployment is high and structural gender barriers further limit women’s participation in the labour market.
The project will strengthen financial and digital literacy among youth, enabling them to make informed financial decisions, use digital payments, and connect with formal banking services. Collaboration with banks, MFIs and digital service providers will expand access to safe and user-friendly financial instruments. In addition, efforts will be made to bring positive changes in the social norms that limit women’s economic participation by actively involving parents, community leaders and local people’s representatives in Dhanusha.
The initiative will provide market-relevant vocational training in sectors such as agro-processing, tourism, and technology, which will help young people develop practical skills to adapt to Nepal’s changing labour market. Pre-departure training and internationally recognised skill certification will also be arranged for those seeking overseas employment, which will help reduce the risk of exploitation and strengthen job security. The program’s framework incorporates flexible schedules, safe transportation and childcare support, which will make it easier for young women to participate fully.
In a year’s time, the initiative aims to directly support more than 200 youths of Dhanusha. Of them, 120 will receive digital and financial literacy training while 70 will receive vocational training or assistance related to safe foreign employment. More than 70 parents, employers and local government representatives will also be involved to help sustain long-term change. Simultaneously advancing skills development, financial inclusion, and community-level advocacy, the project aims to increase economic resilience and expand livelihood opportunities for youth in Dhanusha, one of the underserved districts of Nepal.
