Widowhood in Nepal

Mother: Saraswati (name changed), 35
Daughters: Meera (name changed) aged 11 & Lila (name changed) aged 9

Narrative:
A Childhood Without Comfort

Born in a remote village in Kaski, the youngest of three siblings, Saraswati's childhood was marred by tragedy. She lost her mother to cancer early in life. When her father remarried, instead of gaining a caregiver, she was met with a stepmother who shut the door on love and safety. Saraswati was passed from one relative to another, growing up in others’ shadows—unloved, uncared for, and denied an education. She dropped out after grade 5.

Forced into Marriage, Trapped in Abuse

At just 16, Saraswati was married off to a man from Tanahun. She entered a home where dowry—not love—defined her worth. Humiliated by in-laws and abused by a husband who mirrored their disdain, she endured endless verbal and physical abuse.

Despite giving birth to two daughters—Meera in 2014 and Lila in 2016—the violence never ceased. When Saraswati discovered her husband had fathered another child just 21 days after Lila’s birth, the betrayal shattered her.

The Final Blow—and Her Escape

One day, while working in the fields, her husband kicked baby Lila in a fit of rage. Meera witnessed the horrifying act. That moment broke something inside Saraswati. With nothing but courage, she took her girls and left—no money, no belongings, just their clothes and a fierce will to survive.

Homeless and hungry, the trio wandered from place to place until they reached Lekhnath. Saraswati now works as a daily-wage farm laborer, earning around NPR 7,000 (approx. €50) a month—of which NPR 5,000 goes into rent for a tiny shelter. Hunger and uncertainty remain constant.

A New Chapter Begins

In May 2025, during a routine field visit, Bahini Educare Foundation met Saraswati. We saw her pain—but we also saw her strength. In June 2025, we welcomed her and her daughters into our Educare Family Program.

They now receive:

• Full educational support (tuition, uniforms, supplies)

• Nutritional support

• Health and hygiene materials

• Emotional care & safety support

A Future Beyond Survival

Today, Saraswati still works the fields, but with her head high and her daughters by her side—safe, learning, and smiling. Her girls now dream, and she dares to dream with them.

Why Stories Like This Matter

This is more than one family's story—it is the silent struggle of countless women in Nepal. Dowry abuse, domestic violence, abandonment—these are not rare. But women like Saraswati show that resilience can rewrite fate.

You Make This Possible

Dear Donors,
Your support has given this family hope. Because of you, Meera and Lila won’t inherit their mother’s pain. They will inherit her strength.

Thank you for standing with us.Thank you for believing in change.

It’s simple. It’s simply BEF.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Surendra, Raymond & Team
Bahini Educare Foundation