Summary report:
At WODES, we've always stood by our commitment to advocate for women's rights, well-being, and empowerment. As part of that mission, we've been hosting online storytelling sessions to bring women's lived experiences to light. These stories reflect the strength, resilience, and unity of women—stories that remind us how powerful we are when we stand together, support one another, and create space for collective growth.
- WODES
A story of Ms. Gyani Maiya Manandhar
Her story:
Gyani Maiya Manandhar is more than a mother or caretaker—she is a source of wisdom for her family and a pillar of strength through some of life’s harshest realities. She lost her mother early on, endured the hardships of a strained marriage, and raised not only her daughter but also her younger sister, whom her parents entrusted to her care.
As a single woman trying to make ends meet—finding ways to provide food, shelter, and clothing—Gyani Maiya faced countless obstacles. Yet she never gave up. Her story is one of quiet persistence, of building a legacy through everyday acts of survival and care. She has been working with WODES as an executive committee for more than a decade, and we would like to share her experiences in order to inspire more courageous women in their endeavors.
"Empowerment Through Solidarity"
Gyani Maiya’s experiences reflect the deep struggles that many women in low-income communities in Nepal continue to face. This episode in our storytelling series focuses on the challenges she overcame and the skills she built along the way. Her journey reminds us that lasting change comes when women support each other, take action together, and refuse to be silenced. These stories don’t just inspire—they show us what real transformation can look like.
Unveiling My Skills and Struggles
– Gyani Maiya Manandhar
“There are moments when I look back on everything life has thrown my way—and somehow, through it all, there’s always been a thread of hope tying things together. When the local municipality in Kathmandu offered me a place in a sewing training program, it felt like a lifeline. I gave it everything I had, and when I finished, I held my certificate with pride. It wasn’t just a piece of paper—it was proof that I was capable of building something for myself.
But just when I thought things were looking up, life shifted again. Ongoing issues with my husband meant I had to keep moving from one place to another. In all that chaos, I lost not only my training notes, but also my hard-earned certificate.
Still, I didn’t give up. I kept searching for work—walking from shop to shop every day, hoping someone would give me a chance. Eventually, I was hired at a clothing store, but it was far from easy. Men and women were kept in separate areas, and the women’s section was full of tension. The senior staff often spoke down to us, and the pace was draining. Sometimes I waited three or four hours just to get one order for a blouse—and other days, I’d leave with nothing to show for it.
But I kept going. Even one blouse meant food for my daughter and sister. That thought alone kept me from breaking down.
Both of them were still little and had to stay outside, playing wherever they could while I worked. I worried constantly—for their safety, for their hunger, for everything. I couldn’t let myself cry at work. So I saved my tears for the long walk home, where they’d fall freely.
There were times I was scolded or even hit with fabric for tiny mistakes. And whenever I had to go to the men’s section of the store, I had to prepare myself to deal with harassment and discomfort. It was humiliating—but I held on. Every stitch I made brought me one step closer to building a better life.
A Twist in Life
Then one day, something happened that changed everything.
I had sewn a dress carefully, following the measurements exactly, but my senior told me to rip out all the stitches and redo it. I knew I hadn’t made a mistake, but I stayed quiet and did as I was told. The shop owner saw what was happening and started scolding me too. That’s when I finally spoke up. I calmly explained how I had followed the measurements correctly.
She checked the dress more closely—and realized I was right.
She then turned to the senior and told her to stop making trouble. That moment gave me courage. I realized I had a voice, and it was time I used it.
From then on, something shifted inside me. I began to stand a little taller. I started recognizing just how much unnecessary pressure was being placed on us juniors—and I decided I wouldn't stay silent anymore.
As the owner began giving me more responsibility, I learned new styles and sizes. I became faster, more confident. Orders started coming in from friends, family, and neighbors. I began to believe in my skills.
Eventually, I took the leap and started my own small tailoring business. It wasn’t easy, but it felt right. I poured my energy into it—and slowly, it started to grow.
And then, something truly unexpected happened.
One of the senior staff members—the same person who used to look down on me—walked into my shop asking for a job. I didn’t feel angry or proud. I just smiled, quietly amazed at how far I’d come. I had built something real, with my own hands, and I wasn’t the same woman I used to be.
New Challenge
Over the last thirty years, I’ve raised my siblings and my daughter with love and care. I worked hard to build a warm home filled with laughter and support.
But now, that laughter has faded. The house feels too quiet, and the silence is heavier than I ever expected. I find myself feeling alone, wondering how time passed so quickly.
At the same time, my health began to fail. The long hours I used to manage with ease became harder. Medical bills started piling up, and the cost of living didn’t slow down.
I realized I couldn’t do it all on my own anymore. I needed to step back and let others help manage the business. But I didn’t want to just survive—I wanted to create something meaningful.
A New Approach to Empowering Women in Need
In light of the current health and social challenges, I’d like to propose an initiative aimed at uplifting women who are particularly vulnerable.
Empowering Women Facing Hardship
For many women, the struggles of economic hardship, domestic violence, and limited access to education make it incredibly difficult to break free from a cycle of dependency. By offering vocational training, specifically in sewing, we can provide them with valuable skills that open doors to financial independence. This isn’t just about learning to sew—it’s about giving women the tools they need to regain control over their lives, rebuild their self-confidence, and foster resilience.
Fostering Entrepreneurship Among Women
At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a sewing training center. This would be a space where women can learn practical skills, share their unique personal and cultural stories through their work, and, ultimately, earn a living. While certification is an important first step, there are still key milestones to reach, including securing a location and finding the right person to lead the program. This center would not only provide technical skills but also offer a supportive community, helping these women to heal, grow, and regain hope. Through this initiative, we aim to empower women to reclaim their lives and, by extension, contribute to the broader community’s wellbeing. The Women Development Society is actively seeking partnerships to bring this vision to life and make a lasting impact.
Women Development Society (WODES)
Swoyambhu-15, Kathmandu Nepal
Phone: 977 1 4279 318
Email: info.wodes@gmail.com
Website: wodes.org.np