Banigadi-4
Shanta Sarki, 37, is a ward member of Banigadi-4 in far western Nepal. Reflecting to her past, she always had keen interest in politics, but due to the traditional gender norms and rigid society she was always pushed back. As a Dalit woman, in a patriarchal country facing caste-based and sex discrimination, the odds were already stacked against her. Not only mentally but she was physically abused by her husband. On top of that, poverty was another barrier since she had no land to nurture her family of 2 children and 1 elderly. So, eventually she had to rely on daily wage working for livelihood.
This story is of poverty and struggle – but also the second chance gifted by PAVE. After getting involved into politics, nothing really changed for her. Even though she got opportunity to be part of different women forum and events, meaningful participation of her was still lagging. So, with her engagement in this project, she got an exposure to visit Kathmandu, the capital and most populous city of Nepal, and attend a leadership development training.
‘I was always confined within the four walls, but this project gave me a life-changing opportunity to confidently step outside and. learn about my roles and responsibilities toward the community.’ she further adds, this training empowered me and strengthen the leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills in me.’
Inculcating the knowledge acquired, Ms. Sarki went back to her place, coordinated with the local government and successfully allocated the emergency fund of Rs.500000 to uplift the status of women and children in her community. “We used to just follow in the chairperson’s footsteps, but this training taught us that as women – especially women from the Dalit community – we should bring attention to issues that affect us unjustly.” she says. Moreover, this training played a central role for displaying greater leadership in her position and developed her confidence in voicing the opinions in local government meetings.
Besides politics, Shanta is involved in stone chipping job for survival. The income earned from this menial job is not enough to look after her family. Even after having sewing skill on her hand, she is unable to start up her own business due to economic constraint. So after participating in entrepreneurship training, she was able to enhance her knowledge on business strategy; budgeting and saving schemes. The proper business plan was also developed in this platform which has eventually helped her start off the tailoring business. ‘I can finally initiate my own business with the money and ideas received from PAVE. Being self-reliant hasn’t only helped me in economic aspect, but has also supported my political career development.’ says Shanta.
Lastly, she thanks FEDO and the PAVE project for helping her build a better life to herself and expresses her commitment to utilize the skills that she learned from the training in conducting successful campaigns for reelection.
