Success Story

Breaking Barriers

Sarswati Chaudhary, a 35-year-old woman, lives with her five family members in Govind Tole, Ward 3 of Baijnath Gaun Palika, Banke District. She is known for her diligence and hard work.

The area is entirely dependent on Natural Rainfall, as there is no reliable supply of irrigation or water where they live. Previously, the community relied on traditional farming and agriculture, which limited their ability to effectively harvest both in-season and out-of-season fruits and vegetables. Without alternative sources of income, their entire family lived in difficult and unpleasant conditions.

Past Experiences and Difficulties: Rs. Sarswati Chaudhary went through a very difficult time trying to provide proper childcare and meet the basic needs of her family. Her husband, Mr. Ram Kumar Chaudhary, worked in furniture factories as a daily wage laborer. Although he had completed a three-month carpentry course, he lacked the practical expertise needed to secure better-paying jobs. As a result, his income remained low, adding to the family’s financial struggles.

Previously, the family had attempted to start their own business with a small amount of capital. However, year after year, they faced financial losses due to a lack of proper knowledge, limited investment opportunities caused by their poor economic condition, and critical mistakes in both their business and marketing plans. As a result, their family’s situation continued to worsen day by day.

Actual Situation and Changes: The “Improve Quality of Life and Sustainable Development Project” was officially launched, marking a significant step toward community upliftment. As part of the initiative, a Model Village was established with the support of Community Partnership International (CPI) and Women and Child Development (WACD) Nepal.

The Pragatisil Women Group was formed by Women and Child Development (WACD) Nepal, with Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary becoming an active member. WACD Nepal organized a variety of trainings for the group members, including program orientation, micro-enterprise development, healthy home and garden practices, and community-based healthcare and services.

After receiving training on micro-enterprises and business planning, Mrs. Chaudhary began to actively motivate and encourage other participants. Drawing from her husband’s input and feedback from group members, she developed a practical business strategy tailored to her local context.

Currently, the family is successfully managing their own furniture supply business, a significant achievement made possible through both hard work and external support. Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary received funding assistance of NRS 30,000 ($231) from WACD Nepal to help launch the small enterprise. In addition to financial support, WACD Nepal also provided crucial guidance in developing a solid business plan, maintaining proper accounting records, and completing the legal procedures required to register the business and integrate it into the formal governmental framework.

They began producing their own furniture on August 25, 2023. Since then, the company has been manufacturing a variety of items including sofas, bed sheets, doors, windows, tables, chairs, and more. Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary now earns a daily income ranging from NPR 1,500 to 2,000, which has significantly improved her family’s financial condition.

Through this journey, they have come to realize that a solid business plan is the backbone of any entrepreneur’s success, and that honest hard work is essential to achieving lasting progress.

Today, Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary and her entire family are living with greater satisfaction and mutual support. With a well-thought-out business plan, they successfully launched their furniture supply business, and things have progressed steadily ever since.

Her husband, Mr. Ram Kumar Chaudhary, obtained a vendor’s license to supply furniture to a government school and has established his own company, where he now employs two assistants. In addition to the furniture business, the family has also started growing vegetables and selling them at the local market. However, they continue to face significant challenges due to ongoing issues with irrigation and water supply.

Despite these difficulties, Mrs. Chaudhary can now easily manage her family’s basic needs. She is able to pay for tuition, buy school clothes, and purchase necessary stationery for her children — all of which were once out of reach.

Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary expresses her heartfelt gratitude to WACD Nepal and Community Partnership International (CPI) for their financial and technical support, which enabled her to recognize the possibility of building a sustainable business.

She proudly states that her family is now mentally free from the constant stress of financial hardship and is finally able to enjoy life with dignity and purpose. Her efforts led to the first women-led furniture business in the Model Village, making her a true role model for other women in the group and across the region. Her story continues to inspire and empower other women to believe in their potential and pursue economic independence through hard work and thoughtful planning.

The success of Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary has motivated and inspired the entire community. Seeing her determination and achievements, many are now encouraged to start their own unique businesses. As a result, members of the Pragatisil Women Group are dreaming of launching a joint entrepreneurial venture right in the Model Village in Govind Tole

This location holds great potential for sustainable enterprise. It is well-suited for seasonal and off-season vegetable farming, livestock raising (such as pigs and goats), and home gardening. Additionally, its proximity to major trade centers like Nepalgunj and Kolhapur makes it a strategic spot for expanding market access and boosting economic opportunities.

Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary plans to continue her active involvement in the project and is committed to empowering other women in the community. She aims to create opportunities for female participants to diversify their income sources, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence.

Recommendations and Ideas: To ensure long-term and sustainable development, she emphasizes the importance of expanding support and investment in the Model Village in Banke District. This includes improved access to training, micro-financing, irrigation infrastructure, and market linkages. By building on current successes and fostering collaboration among group members, the Model Village can serve as a replicable model of grassroots-driven economic transformation.

Mrs. Sarswati Chaudhary and her Spouse in her working place