Hetauda: Bishnu Kumari Rai from Piple, Hetauda-5 has transformed from an ordinary housewife engaged in household chores into a respected trainer and entrepreneur in the woodcraft business. Her journey from managing household duties to leading a successful enterprise has brought a significant change in her status within the community.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bishnu Kumari’s office is unlike the typical image of an office setting. Instead of a traditional office space, her workplace is a workshop teeming with timber splinters and wood dust. She dedicates her time from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, crafting beautiful wooden carvings after completing her morning household routines.
At a time when many young Nepalis seek employment overseas, Bishnu Kumari’s commitment to her craft presents a new challenge. She has immense respect for her work, which gives her a distinct identity and confidence. Despite the physical demands of her job, her enthusiasm remains undeterred, driven by her passion for woodcraft.
Before venturing into the woodcraft business, Bishnu Kumari was involved in household chores such as tending livestock and collecting firewood. The turning point came when the Piplepokhara Community Forest introduced the concepts of green employment and forest-based enterprise, inspiring her to rethink her life’s trajectory.
She received woodcraft training from the Community Forest, which aimed to foster women entrepreneurship. This training proved transformative, equipping her with skills and sparking her enthusiasm for starting a wooden handicrafts business. Under her leadership, the ‘Working Women Wooden Handicraft Micro-Enterprises’ was established, producing various materials and generating substantial income.
Bishnu Kumari emphasizes the importance of collective efforts for success, stating, “We work in a group. One’s skill complements another, resulting in strength and success.” The women’s group produces an array of items, including door frames, photo frames, decorative goods, and other artistic designs, utilizing forest waste wood.
The training provided by Ashmita Nepal, with support from APF Net, played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and confidence among women like Bishnu Kumari. They also received necessary tools and opportunities for further growth in entrepreneurship.
Her eagerness to learn and consistent dedication have led to invitations from various organizations and local governments to provide training to other women. Recently, Green Foundation Nepal has supported her in expanding her market reach, facilitating participation in national and international exhibitions.
Reflecting on her journey, Bishnu Kumari recalls being initially mocked for pursuing woodcraft, traditionally not seen as a woman’s domain. However, perceptions have shifted, and her work is now widely praised and appreciated. She believes that success requires willpower, consistency, and opportunity.
Today, the wood items produced by her group are sold in various cities, including Kathmandu, through Koseli Ghar and other organizations. The continuous supply of raw materials from the Piplepokhara Community Forest remains a vital resource for her enterprise.