Empowering women: Doll-making entrepreneurship program at Kavresthali

On 08/12/2019, I made a quick field trip to Kavresthali for independent research to follow up on one of the Women Entrepreneurship programs. The secretory of Mahalaxmi Women’s Group, Jamuna Bhandari, thankfully agreed to share her journey on Doll Making business with me. Growing up in a misogynistic society, Jamuna was finally able to break free from the circle of prejudice against women at the age of 35. Prior to starting a family, she was learning how to sew and tailor clothes from a professional clothing company. Unfortunately, she could not carry on her dreams to pursue tailoring as she was soon married to a man arranged by her family. Soon after, she was kept busy with household chores and raising two children. “It has been over 10 years since I was forced to leave my dreams and hopes to run a clothing business. I was one test away from getting a recognized certification.”, said Mrs. Bhandari with a gloomy voice. After hearing her story, I came to a saddening realization that there are probably many more women who have so much talent but lack the platform to display it. When Jamuna learned about VIN and the Women Empowerment programs focusing on emancipating women, she was thrilled. After attending multiple workshops and programs, she became aware and inspired to start afresh her journey of being an entrepreneur.

VIN was able to provide Jamuna and 7 other women the opportunity to learn how to sew and knit bags, toys, clothes, and jewelry with the help of foreign volunteers. Jamuna was able to relive her past passion and learn how to operate her new private business of Doll Making in Kavresthali. According to The Kathmandu Post, “There are an estimated 14,300 SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises) owned by women entrepreneurs which represent 2 percent of the country’s GDP in Nepal”. Women have an enormous power to contribute towards economic welfare but are limited due to the nature of their upbringing and the patriarchy in Nepal. However, in the recent years, the number of volunteer programs like VIN have been putting in massive efforts in abolishing the gender inequality and increasing women empowerment by inspiring, motivating and encouraging to reach their full capacity. All in all, it was an eye-opening experience to learn how an organization can have a huge impact on an individual’s life. I applaud all the staffs, volunteers, and employees who work every day on bettering the lives of women in Nepal and hope to see these continual changes in society.

– Tashi Sherpa August 13^th, 2019