Why the focus on young women? In poor regional areas of Nepal, young girls have their lives predetermined for them by outdated traditions. From birth their destiny is an education limited to primary level, then labouring on the farm and taking care of their younger siblings. Marriage is prearranged for them in their early teenage years or they are sold off to labour-traders to work in the big cities or even India. The lure of good pay and living conditions rarely materialise and they can remain trapped into a life of servitude. Consequently we see young women as the most vulnerable members of communities in regional Nepal. One way we have been combating this vulnerability is to empower young girls and young women, firstly through providing them with a quality education and secondly, providing career opportunities for a life where they are in control. To realise these aims we are raising money to offer these girls scholarships to continue their education and training.