What Happens When You Give Your Skills Instead of Money

For years, I donated to Women’s Bank and trusted that someone else would do the hands on work in faraway places. But in May 2026, I had the chance to give something different — something I’ve built over decades: my professional skills.

I left to Nepal to work as a Skills donation volunteer for Women’s Bank!

For two weeks in Kathmandu, I worked as a skills donor for Women’s Bank and FCA Nepal in the Aarohi Programme, which supports Nepali women entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses.

My role was to work with the programme’s mentors — established entrepreneurs — and help them strengthen their confidence in running their businesses, especially when it comes to understanding how money flows in and out.

What the work looked like

Before travelling, I created a simple survey to understand the mentors’ needs. Their answers were honest and sometimes heartbreaking. One woman wrote that the financial side of her business made her feel simply: “CONFUSED.” That one word shaped everything I prepared.

In Nepal, I met the mentors one by one, mostly in their workplaces. Many of their businesses have a strong social mission: empowering women, creating jobs, preserving traditional crafts. I visited a children’s clothing workshop where women from marginalised communities sew beautiful garments.

I met a psychologist who teaches emotional skills in schools but struggles to charge for her work. I sat with a fourth generation metal artisan — the only woman in her field — who finds it hard to say no to discounts. I met a young tech founder who started her company at 17 during daily power cuts and now leads a team of 20.

Each meeting was an hour of listening, asking questions, and offering gentle guidance.

What I saw

The two day workshop brought everyone together. We talked about how to price your work fairly, how to plan ahead even when sales are unpredictable, and how to feel more confident in business decisions. But the session that touched everyone the most was the one on leadership and confidence. The women spoke about carrying everyone’s problems, being the only female voice in the room, and feeling torn between being a “good person” and a “strong entrepreneur.” That conversation will stay with me.

These women do not need lessons in hard work. They are resilient, creative, socially committed, and incredibly capable. What many needed was someone to sit beside them and say:
Your business deserves the same care you give to others. Charging for your time is not selfish. Setting boundaries is not unkind. Wanting your business to grow is not something to apologise for.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can give is permission — permission to take yourself seriously.

What it gave me

I returned home with a new perspective on my own work and a deep respect for the challenges Nepali women entrepreneurs navigate every day. I also came home convinced of something I had long suspected: giving your skills is one of the most personal and meaningful forms of development work. You are not a donor at a distance. You are in the room. You see the people, the effort, the dreams, and the barriers.

If you support Women’s Bank — thank you. Your contribution truly matters. And if you have skills in business, marketing, HR, technology, design, or anything else — consider sharing them. It is unlike anything I have done in my professional life.

The women of Aarohi are rising. It was a privilege to rise with them, even for a short time.

Written by: Maarit Pokkinen, Skills Donor, Aarohi Programme, Nepal