Husbands and Wives Pass on the Gift

17 April 2009

SHIVANAGAR, Nepal—Prem Bahadur is assisting a women’s group to celebrate its Passing on the Gift, offering water to people in the blistering heat. His wife, Chandra B. K., is one of the group members. It is unusual in this patriarchal society to see a man helping his wife. “I am proud of my husband as he supports my each and every step,” says Chandra. “Today, he is more excited than me to help one more family in need."  

Prem Bahadur is not the only husband who is helping the women. Nara Bahadur Pariyar is sitting in the corner, holding goats as his wife moves busily about the ceremony. When asked why he is here, he says, “I wasn't much interested when my wife brought home two goats as a gift two years ago. I just felt like those were her goats.” But after his wife parlayed her goat income into a sewing business, he realized he had been wrong. “I now take care of the goats and help out in all her initiatives. I come here today with the belief that women can change the world if they put their minds to it." 

Seti Pariyar beams at her husband and says, “My husband is happier than I am. He is grateful for the goats, as they have eased his burden of making ends meet. Life has become so much easier. I don’t have to make the decision between my children’s education and putting food on the table anymore."