Hipknit

Objectives:  SHEWD is founded on the following principles:
v Helping the poorest resi
dents
v Involving the community in planning, implementation and maintenance of projects
v Making economic participatio
n available for women
v Making safe healthcare available to the poor
v Educating poor youths
v Making available com
puter training for youths
v Becoming a self-sufficient organization while working on social-welfare

Identified Pro
blems of the Project Area
The people of Thaiba and other Village Development Committee (VDC) are among the poorest in Nepal
.  Most residents work at farming and handicrafts and have an average annual income of less than US $250.  Malnutrition, inadequate housing, illiteracy, lack of educational and vocational training for young people, unemployment and poor healthcare are just some of the problems that residents face.  To date, there has been little not-for-profit intervention in the area.  The biggest burden of poverty falls on the women.  The majority are illiterate and unskilled, spend their lives isolated, are often abused, and have little access to power and decision making in their families and community.
Women's Friendly Small Business Program (WFSBP)

SHEWD is attempting to empower women in Thaiba VDC th
rough an income-generating project. SHEWD provides opportunities for the women to sell hand-knit sweaters and other products through their business, Hipknit on the Internet. All profits from the sales go directly to the women. The women are also trained in small business skills and literacy. The project aims to empower, raise living standards, and help create a network for the women, breaking them free of social and economic isolation.
v Some HipKnit products made by the Natural fibers products 
;  from natural fiber such as Hemp, Aloo, cotton, wool etc unique designs on items like bags, caps, sweaters, hats, jackets, shirts, shocks, shawls, waistcoat, lunch mat, coaster, knot bag, shoes, and other various gift items ca