Widowhood in Nepal

Family of the Month: April 2024

Narrative;

(Widow)'s early years were defined by the harsh reality of rural life where she was born into a poor family of hardworking farmers. Growing up, it was all about survival and toiling from morning until night to get enough rice on the table to feed six mouths. The oldest of four siblings, she had to leave school after grade two, leaving her literally Illiterate. At the tender age of eight she had to take care of her younger sister and brothers and the household chores. She had no choice and this little girl shouldered all responsibilities without questions or pause.

 At the age of 14, (Widow)'s life took an unexpected romantic turn when she crossed paths with her future husband, a 21-year-old tractor driver from a neighbouring village. Despite the significant age gap, their hearts found solace in each other's company, blossoming into a deep and enduring love that culminated in marriage. By 16, (Widow) gave birth to her daughter 1 and 18 months later her second daughter.

However, even amidst the joys of motherhood, (Widow)'s days were filled with the relentless duties of managing household chores, caring for her children, and tending to her dominating and unsympathetic in-laws.

Her Husband, the sole provider for their family, toiled tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

Tragically, their world was shattered when he fell gravely ill, diagnosed with kidney failure. (Widow) made frantic and tireless efforts to seek medical assistance, but once their savings were gone and medical treatment and medicine were no longer affordable her husband died at the tender age of 23, leaving her widowed and bereft of the sole bread earner.

The funeral rituals were hardly over, (Widow) and her two daughters found herself cast adrift, as her in-laws rudely and cruelly kicked them out of the house leaving them without a home or support system.

This is a faith that thousands of widows with dependent daughters in Nepal are facing and it is precisely for this reason that "BEF" was established, and this with the declared objective to support and protect such vulnerable individuals and thus prevent worst forms of abuse and exploitation. Left alone with the feeling of confusion and terror she was facing the daunting responsibilities of single motherhood.

(Widow) turned to manual labour in the fields, living in a makeshift shanty striving to provide for their most basic needs, let alone education or healthcare. Moved by her plight, a community worker brought her story to our attention. Through our Educare Family program, we have pledged to extend a lifeline of hope to (Widow) and her daughters, offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.

On behalf of (Widow), her family, and the countless others who seek solace and support, we extend our deepest gratitude for your kindness and compassion. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

With your generous support and our intervention, (Widow) and her daughters will reclaim their sense of hope and purpose, illuminating the path forward for countless other single mothers in need of assistance.

This is indeed more than just a story - it's a testament to the power of empathy, resilience & collective action.

It's simple, it’s simply B-E-F!!

Surendra, Raymond & TEAM

Bahini Educare Foundation