Kamala's Story of Hope

‘I no longer feel like being a women is difficult.’
See how your love and support helped transform Kamala's life.

Kamala lost her husband six years ago, leaving her with two sons to care for. After becoming a widow, her community began to judge and discriminate against her, speaking negatively about her behind her back. In Kamala’s community, being unaccompanied by a man is culturally frowned upon. A woman without a husband is deemed weak in the society she lives in.

However, she had no choice but to work as a daily wage labourer to support her sons. She carried out back-breaking work, carrying bricks and mixing cement to ensure her family was cared for. Kamala worked as a daily labourer for a total of four years. During this time, she lived with her in-laws, who also spoke negatively about her and treated her unkindly.

Two years ago, Kamala joined a Self-Help Group (SHG) established by the Leprosy Mission in Nepal, hoping to rebuild her life with dignity. There, she received training and regained the confidence to challenge the discrimination and stigma she faced every day.

Throughout the past two years, the Self-Help Group has expanded the skills and knowledge of its members, helping them identify livelihood opportunities and empowering them to lead better lives. Kamala found acceptance and a sense of belonging there. Later, she became the group's secretary and attended every training session offered by the team.

Slowly, over time, she found that what she learnt gave her a better understanding of how the world works and of her rights within it. After attending training on gender equality and gender-based violence, Kamala learnt and realised that many cultural expectations about how women should behave are simply beliefs. There is nothing stopping her from living independently.

This transformation would not have been possible without kind supporters and shoppers like you.

Now, Kamala shares what she has learnt with others in her community. She often invites her neighbours to attend training sessions, and many now want to join the SHG themselves. She no longer feels held back by the opinions of others and is confident enough in herself to go wherever she chooses.

“I no longer feel like being a women is difficult.” — Kamala says with hope in her eyes.

Kamala attributes this change in perspective to the training she received through the SHG and feels empowered by her independence. She currently works in the fields but is excited to learn tailoring and hopes to receive this training through the SHG. As she gets older, she hopes to continue working from home through stitching and sewing.

Photos taken and story collected by Supa Thejan, Social Enterprise Manager at Leprosy Mission Australia 

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