Breaking Barriers Towards Becoming an Entrepreneur

Gita Devi Ram was the firstborn of five children in her family of seven, living in Nepal's Saptari District of Madhesh Province. The family's financial struggles meant that her parents constantly prioritised their available resources for the most essential goods and services. Unfortunately, that meant the five children grew up with few education opportunities. 

Belonging to a low-income family meant that the children grew up feeling ostracised. That feeling was compounded for Gita because she belonged to the Dalit. This ethnic group was considered one of the lowest castes under the now-abolished caste system and for whom the legacy of inequality and discrimination remains. Dalit people are still considered 'untouchable' and amongst the lowest in society. They are forced to engage in the lowest, most poorly paid forms of labour; nearly half of the Madhesi Dalit do not have land, and they are often restricted from mixing socially with other community members or going into the homes of non-Dalits.

That discrimination results in poverty and marginalisation, and a opportunities for education and employment. For women, being a Dalit further compounds the discrimination they are negatively impacted by gender inequitable social norms, particularly in conservative rural areas where the JP RWEE operates and where women are primarily confined to the house to carry out domestic chores. They have to work or serve others and are not seen as wage earners in their own right. Local traditions and norms dictated that Gita, as the eldest of the siblings, was confined to the home, caring for her two younger sisters and two brothers.

“I was unable to pursue an education due to my low family background and also the low awareness level of my family members for girls' education, which hindered my ability to obtain a respectable job,” explained Gita.

Like other Dalit women without a formal education, Gita believes her potential was never realised.

"I deeply regret not having an education. Without basic reading and writing skills, finding a job is challenging," Gita said.

Gita joined the JP RWEE as a programme participant and after eight months, things started to change. She joined a women's farmers group established by the programme, excited about the opportunities it would bring. "Being part of this group of women farmers has its perks – we receive seeds, and we can generate income through farming," she explained.

In the women's farmer groups, women facing different forms of discrimination come together in an environment of mutual support and learning. As part of the reflective methodology used by the JP RWEE, participants discuss their experiences of discrimination and reflect on power relations. Session topics include raising awareness of gender and caste inequalities, highlighting gender-based violence, focusing on diversity and inclusion, and the importance of women occupying leadership positions. Women are treated equally and support each other to progress.

"I'm looking forward to our participation in in the women's group programme. I'm eager to learn about business."

Following training in livestock rearing and crop and vegetable farming, where she learned modern agricultural techniques and effective ways to access local markets, she has sold surplus produce to supplement her income. Those funds are going into her savings pot, and she hopes to one day expand her business and open a grocery shop.

She feels confident that she will be able to realise her dreams, become an entrepreneur, and open a store. Further, she believes that she no longer has to be held back by the fact that she is a woman from an ethnic group that has traditionally been discriminated against. She intends to provide her children with the opportunity of education and break the cycle of poverty that has previously defined her family.