Women in Taplejung are becoming entrepreneurs using raw materials available in rural areas. With support from the local government and various organizations, they have started developing their skills and embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.
Deepa Limbu, a resident of Phungling Municipality-10, has been engaged in allo (a natural fiber) processing for the past year. After completing her household chores in the morning and evening, she spends her afternoons producing various items from allo. Similarly, 65-year-old Gangamaya Limbu from the same village has become self-reliant by creating products from allo fabric. Alongside her, Rupamati Limbu is also actively involved in producing allo fabric after receiving training.
In Furumbo village, 16 women collectively produce items made from allo. With financial and technical support from the Himalayan Conservation Forum, Red Panda Network, the Cottage and Small Industries Office, and Fungling Municipality, these women have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey.
This initiative, which began last year, has significantly changed their lives. The training provided women with skills in entrepreneurship, collection, processing, and production. Following the training, they began producing clothing, bags, purses, and handkerchiefs from allo fabric.
According to Bishnu Shrestha, Vice President of the Federation of Cottage and Small Industries, there is even demand for allo products from schools. “The quality of the products made by these women is good, so the market is expanding,” Shrestha said. Ramesh Rai, program coordinator of the Himalayan Conservation Forum, mentioned that the Red Panda Network and the Himalayan Conservation Forum have invested Rs. 2.4 million in this initiative. Fungling Municipality contributed Rs. 200,000, the ward office Rs. 150,000, and the Cottage and Small Industries Office Rs. 200,000.
During the training and group production process, the women registered the “Furumbo Allo Textile Industry.” The local government and the Himalayan Conservation Forum have been facilitating market access for the products made by this collective enterprise. According to Santosh Limbu, Ward Chair of Phungling Municipality-10, the municipality plans to supply these products to schools. “Promoting local production not only supports the economy but also highlights the identity of the district,” he said.
Shrestha noted that women can earn a good income by utilizing local resources and materials instead of being confined to household work. “If the local government promotes these products, it will further encourage women,” Shrestha said. Processing and producing raw materials locally have made women self-reliant. This has improved the living standards of rural women and strengthened their role in society.
The women of Furumbo have set a strong example of self-employment through collective effort. As their products, made from local raw materials, gain market acceptance, their confidence has grown, said Chandrakumari Limbu, President of the Furumbo Allo Processing and Textile Industry.
To expand production commercially, there are plans to export these products nationally and internationally. “If we receive proper access and facilitation, our products can capture a large market,” she said.
The collective efforts of these women have highlighted new possibilities for creating self-employment in rural areas. This initiative has made a significant contribution to women’s empowerment and local development.