For Meera Khadayat of Amargadhi-2, this group has become a source of confidence more than employment. “Earlier I was limited to household chores, but now I am able to support my family with my own income,” she said.
What you should know
Women in Amargadhi Municipality of Dadeldhura are becoming self-reliant through self-employment. The women here have joined the Amargadhi Women's Group and started working as hosiery workers.
10 women are active in the group established in 2081. They are earning an income by knitting sweaters, hats and neckerchiefs . Orders for sweaters for school dresses are increasing from various schools in the district . However, the production capacity has not been able to meet the demand .
The group started working with the only machine it received as a grant from the municipality . According to chairwoman Geetanjali Saud, when orders come in a lot, it is difficult to complete the work on time due to the shortage of machines . She said that there is also a problem in the supply of yarn . ‘Thread has to be brought from Dhangadhi, now it has become difficult to get it from companies,’ she said, ‘Order work is stopped due to lack of yarn .’
For Mira Khadayat of Amargadhi-2, this group has become a source of confidence more than employment . ‘Earlier I was limited to household work, now I am able to run my family with my own income,’ she said. She says that she can become self-reliant by utilizing the skills she has.
Similarly, local Geeta Bhandari runs her own grocery store and also works in an industry in her free time. She says, ‘Women must work professionally to become financially independent. That makes women self-reliant.’
Khageshwori Dhanuk of Navadurga Rural Municipality-1 has also become an active member of the group. ‘Earlier, I was afraid to even step out of the house, but now I have the skills and the orders are coming in,’ she said, ‘The proper use of the skills I have learned has helped my financial situation.’
According to Amargadhi Municipality Information Officer Minraj Ojha, Amargadhi Municipality has provided skill-based training and equipment to women. He said that such groups have made a tangible contribution to women’s empowerment through self-employment. According to him, the municipality will support those who want to work professionally.
As demand for handmade items increases in the local market, the women in the group plan to develop their products as a brand. However, they need more support in terms of technology, capital, and material supply.
