Women’s leadership in development projects on rise

By Netra Shahi 

Jumla. Mar. 13: The recently introduced government policies and programmes aimed at increasing self-employment have created not only job opportunities but also enabled women to take leadership roles in development projects.

Sushma Rokaya from Koireli village in Hima Rural Municipality-2 has long been actively involved in development and construction activities at the community level.

This time, too, she has played a significant role in mobilising women to dig a canal to address drinking water scarcity in the village. 

According to local leader Chandra Bahadur Rokaya, many women involved in the consumer committee, including Punna Kala Rokaya, Shanti Rokaya, Harikala Rokaya and Kannakala Rokaya have taken the lead in development work. 

Rokaya herself has been directly involved in the project to bring water from a river located nearly five kilometres away from the village.

During the winter season, most men from this area travel to India or various parts of Nepal for employment and trade. As a result, women have been managing local projects and initiatives.

According to Chandra Bir Rokaya, this year, water has been brought to the village by digging a canal from the Rik Khola in Duwade, approximately 4,700 metres away from their village.  

The majority of the labourers involved in the project have been women. Sumitra Shahi, project coordinator for a drinking water initiative in Hima Rural Municipality, informed that women have been taking the lead in development projects in the region. 

With men leaving the district for trade and other activities during winter, women have been at the forefront in pushing ahead the development projects.

According to Shahi, the drinking water project in Koireli village, which has faced water shortages for years, is now in its final phase with support from Hima Rural Municipality and the Suswa Project. 

Local women have played a leading role in completing the Koireli Drinking Water and Sanitation Project. Due to snowfall and frost, carrying out development work in Jumla is difficult during winter. 

However, despite the cold in December, January, and February, women actively participated in the project, ensuring the completion of the village’s drinking water system. 

There is still a prevailing belief that women cannot engage in development and construction work, but the women of Koireli village have set an inspiring example, demonstrating their capability when given the opportunity.

According to Rural Municipality Chairman Laxman Bahadur Shahi, the drinking water project has reached its final phase, addressing Koireli village’s longstanding water scarcity. 

Under this plan, 44 houses will each have a separate tap, and a tap will also be installed in the Hima Basic School. To ensure the efficient use of surplus water, two irrigation ponds will be constructed to support apple orchards, kitchen gardens, and other crops.

The total cost of the Koireli Drinking Water and Sanitation Project is Rs. 6,797,725, with Hima Rural Municipality contributing Rs. 5,466,112, and the remaining Rs. 1,331,613 covered through money and labour donations from consumers.