I’ve been to Nepal seven times since leaving high school. In 2009, on my fifth trip, I met a group of seven women operating out of a tin shed. They all had physical disabilities and half of them were my age. I wanted to train them in a skill so they would be able to make money for themselves and be economically empowered. I ended up paying to get them trained in making handmade items. I went back to Australia and found ways to sell the goods so they could make money.

While I was studying at La Trobe, I began selling their goods at university and markets with the help of volunteers.

The money goes directly to Nepal. In two years, the program has grown from seven women to more than 100 women. We’ve also built up the centre from a tin shed into a proper facility, with shelter.

We’ve raised $35,000. I think it has been so successful because I had time to understand Nepalese culture, learn the language, and discover what works. I was really conscious of not just starting something, but making sure it would be sustainable.

The women are economically empowered now. They have money to cover basic needs. I think the next stage is the education they have never had.

I’m starting a business called Seven Women, because I met seven women initially, and I hope to start to move away from markets to begin selling wholesale.

For more details, email steph.w@seven-women.com