Women of Nepal Find Power in Heifer's Cornerstones

In Nepal, the power of Heifer’s model to transform the lives of women—and an entire culture traditionally dismissive of their role in society—has never been more apparent. Our work with thousands of Nepalese women began by providing two goats each and simple training in Heifer’s 12 Cornerstones. Once timid and lacking hope, these women are now a force of powerful change that is turning back the tide of ignorance, poverty and hunger.

“I was very shy before I joined the group,” said Pabrita Chaudhary of Bhandara, in the Chitwan area of Nepal. Her women’s group is a young one that has been training on Heifer’s Cornerstones and animal practices for just one year. Its members received their goats this July. “I couldn’t talk in front of people; I couldn’t say namaste and introduce myself. I would shake and was very nervous.”

Yet her group members, recognizing her natural talent to lead and encourage others, elected her president. “I now can express my feelings and talk about my rights and what I need and want,” she says. “I feel I can do many things now.”

In Belsi, many of the women have been working together 10 years since their Heifer training began, and nine years since they passed on goats to others to continue the cycle of sustainability. Their profound accomplishments reflect realistic goals and a fierce commitment to Heifer’s Cornerstones.

In just 10 years, these women bought back farmland their husbands and fathers squandered on alcohol and gambling, and they began to save money from their crops and animals. They built a dam to protect their village from floods and a community center for their meetings. They sent their children to school and even college, replaced thatched-roof huts with snug concrete homes. Now they are planning to pool money and ideas from smaller groups into a larger cooperative that will sell agricultural products they and their neighbors need every day.

Once unable and unwilling to share even a handful of rice with their neighbors, these women sent 1,500 rupees (about $20) to help tsunami victims in Indonesia and 2,500 rupees ($34) to those shattered by China’s earthquake. “I’m most happy when I give,” said Meena Chaudhary of Belsi. “I’ve found even small efforts can have a large effect, so I feel very happy with myself and my group that now we can do this.”

It’s empowerment on an individual level that can uplift a neighborhood, a village, and someday perhaps the whole country. This was Dan West’s vision for Heifer from its creation.

Help fund women's projects in Nepal Working predominately with women's groups, the primary focus of this project is improved nutrition and community development. Project participants will receive training on Heifer Cornerstones, gender equity, values based literacy, vegetable gardening, health and sanitation among other vital skills. You'll receive updates on your community's progress, so you can track the impact of your gift. Give to Nepal now