Sarmila completed year 12 and lives in Jhuwani in Chitwan. She recently moved from a joint household of nine people to a new house with her husband and daughter.
For Sarmila, women in the community get less opportunities due to limited education. People also use traditional tools in their homes, which takes a lot of time and energy.
Products Sarmila supports women to sell include mixer grinders, sanitary napkins and utility gloves. Sarmila’s role also involves on the job training, where she helps women entrepreneurs sell products confidently.
“I used to work in a cooperative and after my child was born I left that job. I opened a shop-fancy store but it didn’t work at all. My husband had spent 18 years working abroad and visiting occasionally. When he came back for good neither of us had a job. When I got a job at Pollinate Group, I was extremely happy!”
“I realized how difficult it is for women in a poor family in a rural area to lead her life, and at Pollinate Group I get the opportunity to work in the field of women empowerment, which is very close to my heart.”
Sarmila shares that her job has given her identity and more people know about her. She has also learned a lot about business and shares this with my husband as well. She feels blessed to be part of an organization which makes an impact on people’s lives.
“Sarmila has beautifully grown in our company. When we see her growth it is very amazing, we feel that our investment in her has really paid off. She is equally passionate for her work and her commitment towards the Suryamukhis is exceptional.” Sita Adhikari, Co-founder and Director of Impact.
This is one of many stories from our 2019 Annual Report: People behind the movement.