In 2014, a student team from IIT Mandi conducted a survey of women in nearby villages. The study revealed that about 75% of them had not completed schooling (12th grade), limiting them to low paid, unskilled jobs. However, they showed a keen interest in being trained and guided. A lack of awareness, guidance and training has restricted the potential for growth and employment for local women. EWOK was formally started by IIT Mandi in April 2016. On 18 November 2019 EWOK was registered as a society under the Himachal Pradesh Societies Registration Act of 2006.
