Livelihood training empowering Dalit women in rural areas

Kathmandu, July 7

When Gita Pariyar, a Dalit woman from Gorkha, began mushroom farming at her house, she was not supported by her family.

“They scolded me for ruining the house which was partly damaged by the earthquake. But I didn’t give up and continued my work,” she shared at a programme organised by British Council here today.

Now, Gita earns nearly Rs 40,000 every month. “Seeing my success, my in-laws and husband have started supporting me. If I get the budget from the rural municipality, I will build a separate mushroom home that can empower women in my village,” shared Pariyar.

Similarly, Binda Bika from the same district said she was also providing mushroom farming training to villagers. She said, “Earlier I had to depend on my husband for everything, but now I am able to earn and can support my family.”

State has provided different quotas and opportunities for Dalit women. If they grab the opportunity, they can empower themselves,” said Akim Shrestha, executive director, Training Institute for Technical Instruction, CTEVT. She said CTEVT provided Dalit women technical support and livelihood training.

British Council Nepal, Dalit Mahila Utthan Sangh and Nepal Rastriya Dalit Samaj Kalyan Sangh with financial support

of European Union have been providing Dalit women from Gorkha and Siraha empowerment training. These training have so far benefitted 1,202 Dalit women.

Speaking at a programme, Jim O’ Neill, acting country director of British Council said individual achievement could change a family, community and then country. Individual achievement is the key to take the country towards the  path of development. “Country must focus on the individual entrepreneurship which will empower not only an individual but the entire country,” he said.