'Shear Luxury' in Nepal

Soft angora is a luxurious alternative to ordinary fabric, but for women who have few alternatives, it's become a tool for earning an income and gaining self-esteem.

In Nepal, where the towering Himalayas challenge the native people to reach new heights, women in the village of Taiku Dude Cha have transcended dire poverty through the gift of Heifer angora rabbits.

Each month, Basamaya Balami, leader of her women's group, shears her rabbits and gathers the soft fur to sell at the market for $27 a pound, which makes a tremendous difference where the average annual income is less than $200.

By the next month, the rabbits are ready to shear again. And because female rabbits are able to have so many offspring, there are plenty to pass on to other women in her community as well as to keep to increase angora production. In addition, Basamaya can use the rabbit manure to fertilize crops in her garden so they yield more vegetables to improve her family's diet with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Empowered by their new-found leadership skills, the women have organized around other community issues as well, such as health care. The results are in, rabbits breed success.