"The 'Abaka Mahila Umda Mahila' project gave me the skills and support to build my own poultry farm and break free from dependence on my husband's earnings." - Krishni Kumari Khadka
In the heart of Triveni Rural Municipality, Rolpa a remarkable transformation is taking place through the "Abaka Mahila Umda Mahila" project via Innovative Partnership Fund (IPF). This innovative partnership between the Lumbini Province Government, Triveni Rural Municipality, and the beneficiaries themselves has empowered women like Krishni Kumari Khadka to break barriers and take charge of their own lives. Krishni Kumari Khadka (Krishni), a resident of Ward No. 3 in Lingdung, is a shining example of the impact this project has had on the lives of rural women. With a family to support, including a daughter and a son, Krishni's husband had to work abroad to provide for their household. However, Krishni was determined to contribute to her family's well-being and make a difference in her community.
When she first learned about the "Abaka Mahila Umda Mahila" project, Krishni was immediately interested. She reached out to the ward office and diligently filled out the application form as per the rural municipality's notice. After a careful selection process based on various criteria, Krishni was among the fortunate women chosen to participate. Krishni's journey to empowerment began with the project's comprehensive training program. She acquired essential skills in poultry farming, setting the stage for her future success. The project provided her with technological support to establish her own poultry farm and even supplied her with 50 baby chickens to kickstart her venture. The community forest's support, offered free of charge, enabled her to build her farm, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and partnership at the heart of this initiative.
"With dedication, I turned 50 baby chickens into 200, sold 150 in a few months, and earned 55,000 to 60,000 rupees. My income, my choice." - Krishni Kumari Khadka
With unwavering dedication, Krishni expanded her poultry farm, eventually raising 200 baby chickens. In a mere 2-3 months, she had already sold 150 chickens, yielding a profit of 55,000 to 60,000 rupees. This newfound income meant that Krishni no longer had to rely solely on her husband's earnings from abroad. She had become financially independent and self-sufficient, a source of immense pride and confidence. She invested part of her earnings to purchase a baby buffalo for 15,000 rupees and two baby goats for 10,000 rupees, broadening her livestock portfolio. One of Krishni's most symbolic achievements was purchasing a smartphone for 10,000 rupees and installing Wi-Fi at her home for 3,000 rupees, all from her own income. This newfound connectivity opened up a world of opportunities and resources for her, facilitating further growth and learning.
Investing in a baby buffalo, two goats, a smartphone, and Wi-Fi—all from my earnings—opened up a world of opportunities and growth for me." - Krishni Kumari Khadka
Krishni's ambitions didn't stop there. She aspired to scale up her poultry business and going to register it as an official enterprise. Thanks to her hard work and determination, she had also diversified her income. With a strong sense of financial security and newfound self-reliance, Krishni started saving money to expand her business further. Her future is bright, as she continues to work diligently and passionately in her poultry venture. Her success story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of initiatives like the "Abaka Mahila Umda Mahila" project, which empower women to take control of their destinies and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Krishni Kumari Khadka has not only become an empowered woman but also a role model for all those who dare to dream and work hard to achieve their goals. Her journey reminds us that when women thrive, communities thrive.
