Finally heard! The story of Kumari of Nepal
©CBM
Being part of something - that is inclusion. CBM CBID work ensures that the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the community is improved and that their needs are taken into account.
For many years, 39-year-old Kumari did not leave the house because she cannot walk. She had polio, which led to a permanent disability of her legs. Due to the social stigmatisation of children with disabilities, Kumari did not go to school. At that time, parents did not want their children to associate with persons with disabilities because they considered them cursed. When she was old enough, her parents arranged a marriage for her. Kumari lives in the western lowlands of Kohalpur in Banke District with her husband and their three children.
Since she had no education, Kumari could not find a job.
"People told my husband that I do nothing and stay at home because I depend on his earnings. They even encouraged him to abandon me saying I was only a burden and of no use to him. But my husband did not listen to them".
Then CBM's community-based inclusive development opened the door to life for her.
CBM partner Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA) heard about Kumari through her neighbour. They visited her and provided her with a wheelchair to help her move around. In addition, with the help of NDWA, Kumari received six months of training to become a seamstress.
Paying it forward
Here, Kumari is with trainee girls in her shop located in the town of Kohalpur, Nepal. Besides running the shop, Kumari also offers training to other girls and women in her community.
©CBM
She rides her tricycle to her own shop every day. Today, you can hear the sewing machines rattling loudly in her shop. Beyond the noise, Kumari explains a pattern to her apprentices, who listen attentively. She is currently training 12 girls.
"People mainly order school uniforms, children's clothes and women's clothes. Most of my customers are women, I enjoy making women's clothes. I also train young girls from the surrounding villages.
With her work as a tailor and her training, Kumari earns about 15000 rupees (about 120 euros) a month. She also puts some money into the family savings account.
No one looks at her weak legs. The fact that the 39-year-old cannot walk no longer matters.
"People talk about me differently now. They say I work more than them," says the businesswoman with a smile. "I am proud of that"
Being part of something - that is inclusion. CBM CBID work ensures that the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the community is improved and that their needs are taken into account. CBM also ensures that any assistance, for example in hospitals or schools, is inclusive and equally accessible to all people.