Support Education and Livelihoods in rural Nepal

Rekha, aged 35, lives in the scenic region of Gorkha in Nepal. Struggling to make ends meet, she embarked on a journey of empowerment when she joined the ADWAN project, supporting women to become entrepreneurs.

Before becoming involved with the project, Rekha faced numerous challenges in her life. She lived with her husband and children, relying solely on her husband's income from his carpentry profession. Their family’s income was below average, making it difficult to meet household expenses, including their children's educational fees and basic necessities. Additionally, in areas of Nepal, societal barriers enforce strict gender roles, confining women to the domestic sphere while men are expected to engage in productive work and public activities. These cultural norms often lead to societal scrutiny when women like Rekha venture outside their homes for work or group activities.

Rekha heard about the project through ADWAN's outreach efforts, where she joined the Sakriya Women's group—a newly formed collective that meets regularly to discuss economic empowerment and income generation. One of the skills the project provides is training in soap making, an expertise that would prove instrumental in transforming Rekha's life.

Rekha participated in a seven-day soap-making training program as part of the project. This comprehensive training equipped her with the knowledge needed to produce high-quality soap. With her newly acquired abilities, Rekha started earning an income through soap making, contributing to her family's financial stability. She gained confidence and a newfound sense of self-reliance.

Presently, Rekha is part of a group of women, they are actively involved in social work within the community and provide training for women to gain skills which nurture financial independence. Through local market exposure, Rekha and her peers have honed their customer-handling skills and their businesses are booming! Rekha's family are thankful for this extra income, relieving her husband from financial pressures.

Reflecting on her transformation, Rekha expressed her gratitude, stating, "After receiving training and acquiring skills, my perspective changed completely. We are no longer idle but have embraced the significance of time and work, whether as a group or individual practitioners."

As Rekha continues her entrepreneurial journey, she aspires to increase her soap-making knowledge to expand her business. Thanks to your support, she has discovered her potential and is determined to build a prosperous future for herself and her family.

Rekha Gurung's story serves as an inspiring example of how initiatives like the ADWAN project empower women like her, enabling them to overcome barriers, gain financial independence, and have a prominent role in their communities.

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