We may not have desks or offices, but we are essential workers
In Thakre Rural Municipality, 35-year-old Bimala’s life reflects both struggle and resilience. Born into poverty, she had to leave school after Grade 5 and has spent nearly thirty years living by the banks of the Aagara River. Together with her husband, she earns a living as a daily wage laborer, collecting stones and sand for a crusher factory. The river has long been their source of survival, but during the monsoon it turns into a source of fear, bringing floods that threaten their home and livelihood. Work is irregular, and many days they struggle to cover even the most basic needs.
Years of heavy labor caused Bimala to suffer from uterine prolapse, while her younger daughter’s appendicitis operation pushed the family further into debt. Despite these hardships, she is determined to secure a better future for her daughters through education.
“Despite the struggles of riverbank labor and poor health, I found hope through ActionAid’s Women Labour Group, which helped me access healthcare, stand for women’s rights, and learn skills for a better future for my family”
Bimala’s turning point came in 2023 when she joined the Godawari Women Labour Group, supported by ActionAid Nepal. With 16 women members, the group provides a platform for women to discuss challenges, learn about rights, and connect with local services. Through the group, she attended health camps where she was referred to for treatment. In addition to this, she also learned about women’s rights, labor laws, and government support programs. Surrounded by women with similar experiences, she is eager to take part in carpet-weaving training that will help her develop new skills and earn additional income.
Today, Bimala is an active member of the group, speaking with confidence in meetings where she remained silent once. “I don’t want my daughters to suffer the same fate as me. I will not compromise on their education,” she says with determination. Her journey from a vulnerable laborer to an empowered woman is now inspiring others in Thakre to claim their rights and build dignified lives.
