In December 2022, the REDD Implementation Center, World Bank Nepal, and WOCAN organized a series of workshops and an information session across Nepal to introduce the W+ Standard and prepare for gender action in REDD+ programs.

Held in Lumbini and Madhesh provinces, as well as Kathmandu, the events aimed to build knowledge and strengthen the capacity of project teams and stakeholders to integrate measurable women’s empowerment activities into forest and climate initiatives.

Objectives of the Workshops

The workshops were designed to:

• Provide knowledge of the W+ Standard certification framework.
• Strengthen the ability of provincial and community stakeholders to integrate gender-responsive activities.
• Validate the consolidated Gender Action Plan for REDD+.
• Develop actionable strategies for gender interventions in the forest sector.

By ensuring women’s empowerment is measured, verified, and rewarded, these sessions help align REDD+ efforts with both climate and social impact goals.

Participation and Representation

• Lumbini Province: 41 participants (12 women, 29 men).
• Madhesh Province: 43 participants (7 women, 36 men).

Participants represented:

• Provincial Ministry of Forests and Environment (MOFE)
• REDD+ and District Forest Office staff
• Community Forest User Groups
• Federation of Community Forest Users (FECOFUN)
• Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN)
• Adibashi Janajati Mahasangh
• Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI)
• Scientific Forest Federation

Participant voices:

• “This was the first time I thought of gender issues in such a systematic way. I wish to learn more and share these learnings, especially the W+ Standard, with other women groups.” – Renu Sen, Chairperson, Scientific Forest Federation, Lumbini Province
• “Women members need more resources to start new businesses and be self-sustaining.” – Ram Kumari Rumba, Chairperson, Scientific Forest Management Federation, Madhesh Province

Information Session in Kathmandu

The information session, hosted at the World Bank Office in Kathmandu, focused on integrating the W+ Standard into the Forest for Prosperity Program (FPP).

Key highlights:

• Dr. RC Kandel, Joint Secretary and REDD IC Chief, reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to ambitious gender-related activities under the FPP.
• Dr. Jeannette Gurung, Executive Director of WOCAN, presented the W+ Standard and its relevance to the World Bank PROGREEN project in Nepal.
• Dr. Barun Gurung, W+ Lead Trainer, introduced the W+ training course.
• World Bank representatives emphasized inclusive implementation and the importance of benefit-sharing discussions to come.

Looking Ahead

The sessions marked the beginning of a broader dialogue on how the W+ Standard can enhance gender outcomes within Nepal’s REDD+ programs. With strong support from the Government of Nepal and partners like the World Bank, the groundwork is being laid to ensure that women—particularly those from vulnerable communities—are empowered as climate and forest initiatives expand.

Call to Action

The integration of the W+ Standard into Nepal’s forest sector highlights a powerful opportunity: ensuring that women’s empowerment is central to climate solutions.

👉 Learn more about how the W+ Standard supports women in climate and forest projects

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