Kiran Devi Chaudhary
My name is Kiran Devi Chaudhary. I am 35 years old and live with my husband, son, and daughter. Five years ago, my husband suffered a spinal cord injury that left him disabled. Since then, he has been unable to work, and as his primary caregiver, I am also unable to take up work outside our home. Although we are involved in small-scale farming, the income is insufficient to meet our household needs.
In the year 2078, I was introduced to a life-changing opportunity. Through a training program provided by WE Nepal, I learned the art of making handmade jewelry. What made this opportunity even more empowering was that I could work from home. I still remember the joy of receiving my very first payment Rs.3,900. That amount may seem small to others, but for me, it marked the beginning of independence. I used it to buy household necessities and pay for my children’s school fees.
Since then, I have earned around Rs.25,000 through my jewelry work. I continue to use this income to support my children’s education and cover essential household and emergency expenses. I am also proud to serve as the President of Hami Didi Bahini Samuha, where I save Rs.100 monthly. This saving practice has given me financial confidence and the ability to access a lump sum during times of need. Although we once received training on group leadership, we lacked the opportunity to implement it. But today, thanks to the support from Tewa and WE Nepal, I lead group meetings with pride. Our group has become a safe space to share our struggles and find collective solutions.
Looking ahead, I dream of opening a training center to pass on my skills to other women. My daughter, now in Grade 11, is my hope for the future. I will encourage her to complete her education and be a part of this empowering journey. I want her to make her own choices, and not be pressured into early marriage; something I now realize should not happen at a young age.
It had been two years since my husband lost all mobility below his neck. When WE Nepal learned of his condition, they brought us to Kathmandu for treatment and supported us financially and emotionally. With continued therapy, and the help of a walker, he has started to move again.
Just like me, many women have been uplifted by the training programs of WE Nepal. We are not just earning, we are rebuilding our lives, our confidence, and our futures.
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