Having parents who are trekking guides in Nepal makes for awesome family holidays but for Clare Bartram, it also gave her a first-hand education into the plight of women and girls in Nepal.

At a young age, Clare learnt about modern slavery, which affects about 171,000 people in Nepal. Clare’s mother Sarah, who has a background in education, knew the power of education for women and girls and co-founded Project Didi 15 years ago.

Project Didi (which means “older sister” in Nepali) strives to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence and modern slavery. Clare says Canberrans can help by embarking on a “women empowering women” trip to Nepal in November.

“These trips to Nepal not only provide off-the-beaten track travel but also a chance to meet with women changemakers and contribute to critical legal representation, counselling, education and employment pathways for survivors,” Clare says.

“Modern slavery is a hidden crime and often people don’t know about the extent or the scale of it. My mum really saw the power of education for women and girls and what opportunities are unlocked for them in terms of financial independence and better outcomes for their children.”

Clare says visiting Nepal, which she’s done five times, is “transformative”.

“It’s a really great opportunity to see a part of Nepal that tourists don’t really go to,” Clare says. “We go out to the east of Nepal, close to the Indian border. It’s a real opportunity to make genuine connections with Nepali people and communities that we have deep relationships with. You are supporting through your trip and you see the impact of your donation in action.”

The tour to Nepal celebrates the strength and resilience of women and will run from 19 November to 2 December. It is limited to just 12 women. Through visits, workshops and connections, travellers will gain a unique insight into the challenges facing Nepali women and the resourceful ways they are building brighter futures.

Project Didi volunteers are self-funded with 100 per cent of donations going to programs in Nepal.

For more information, visit www.projectdidiaustralia.org/travel-with-us.html

Canberra Daily is keen to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.