A reliable job brings joy and hopes amongst internally displaced women

“I used to work as a daily wage labor in construction sites carrying sand, gravels, bricks which earned me 700 rupees a day to fulfill my family needs,” recalls Shree Maya Tamang. A residence of Khaniyabas municipality of Dhading district, Shree Maya was one of many people severely affected by the devastating earthquake of 2015. She lost her home and was forced to migrate to the nearby community with her family.

Many people like Shree Maya were left homeless, displaced, and without any source of income. They had to shift to a new place and start a new life. “I was in search of a reliable job as daily wage work was seasonal and difficult,” said Shree Maya. Restoration of livelihoods was the immediate need for the people after the shelter. To support affected communities, Purnima programme joined hands with Sankosh Galaicha Udhyog to provide 50 internally displaced people three-month carpet weaving training.

Buddha Singh Tamang, an owner of the Udyog was himself an IDP from Gangajamuna. After struggling to find a stable income source for himself, Buddha came in touch with the Dhading Chamber of Commerce, one of the local partners of Purnima programme, who supported in registering his business in the Cotton and Small Industries Development Office (CSIDO). With grant support from CSIDO, he started his enterprise with full force. Having been in the similar situation himself, Buddha wanted to support his fellow IDPs by providing carpet weaving training. “After this training, the participants do not have to worry about job placement. I will give them the job in my factory where they can easily earn fifteen to sixty thousand in a month without any financial investments,” said Buddha Singh, happily. This collaboration will support in restoring livelihoods and generating economic opportunities for the most vulnerable people especially internally displaced people.

Shree Maya who was in touch with her friend working as a carpet knitter also participated in the training. Since getting full training, Shree Maya has been able to weave designs as guided by the chart pattern. “We can easily weave above three carpets per month and make minimum earning of rupees 15,000 to 30,000 per month,” Shree Maya shared confidently. She is confident to produce more new designs in the coming days.

Like Shree Maya, other women in the community have participated in the training and weaved different carpets. “Carpet weaving will be my reliable job to support my children’s education and means of livelihood for me,” expressed Sita Maya, another participant.

Sankosh Galaicha Udhyog agreed on providing the required raw materials and buying all knitted carpets. A reliable income source will support in fulfilling the livelihoods of the displaced families. Fifty women will be fully trained and will be able to continue their earnings even after the training that will ultimately support in building their financial independence, a cash contribution to household income, and decision-making power.