January 2026
Greetings to everyone,
Welcome to my 16th blog. This was also our 16th savings meeting after our 15th discussion meeting. In a way, it marked the completion of one full 16 months of working together with our Trainers.
Today, my heart felt a little heavy. After working together for 16 months, realizing that we would no longer meet regularly twice a month as before made me feel emotional and a little sad. Many sweet memories started flashing before my eyes—how we first formed this group and how meaningful and joyful our journey has been until today.
In the beginning, even after holding three information-sharing meetings, we were unsure whether a strong group could really be formed. But through stabilization meetings, social situation analysis, and indicator-setting meetings, we gradually became stronger. Reaching this 16th months milestone filled my heart with happiness beyond words.
During the situation analysis, we identified many problems. At that time, I wondered, “Will we really be able to solve these problems? Are solutions possible?” But as we discussed in detail, we realized that most of these problems were created by ourselves—and that we also had the power to solve them.
For example, many of us did not brush our teeth twice a day. This may sound small, but such habits cause many diseases. Even though we knew this, we didn’t practice it. Because our trainer kept reminding us, we have now started applying it in our daily lives.
Similarly, we used to eat vegetables without washing them properly. We did not realize that invisible germs could harm us. Now, we wash our vegetables properly before eating.
We also learned about nutrition. Earlier, we consumed too much meat. We used to cook meat immediately after cutting it, without understanding hygiene. Through training, we learned about bacteria, temperature, and food safety. This knowledge has helped us protect our health.
Even though we are women from the same village, earlier we did not get many chances to share our feelings. Through this organization, meeting twice a month helped us become closer, share our emotions, and strengthen our relationships.
Some women’s husbands used to restrict them from going outside. But later, when husbands and wives attended training together and learned new things, we saw real change. Seeing husbands support their wives made me feel deeply happy and hopeful.
Our monthly savings meetings helped us naturally develop the habit of saving.
We also received four days of training on livestock and agriculture. This gave our businesses a new direction. Earlier, we were doing business and caring for animals, but not in the right way. After the training, we learned how to manage properly, what to do, and how to give first aid when animals fall sick. I am truly grateful for this knowledge.
We also completed our contribution of NPR 25,000 to the next WAWCAS women. When we submitted it, I felt extremely happy. This was the day we had been waiting for for years. Saving NPR 105 every month finally showed its result.
By contributing, we are helping another woman become self-reliant. How can anyone not feel happy about that? Today, we handed over this contribution to another woman through our trainer. This will become the foundation for her future. Just like us, she will turn this into seed money and invest in her business. This gives us great joy.
After that, we filled in different forms: the Pocket Chart Analysis (PCA) form and the Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis. We filled these forms at the beginning, after six months, and now after twelve months.
At first, it felt like we were filling them just for formality. But today, while filling them, we realized how useful they actually are. Compared to before, our expenses have decreased significantly. This is a big positive change.
We also noticed growth in ourselves. Earlier, we felt shy to speak. Now, we have developed leadership skills. This change is not just on paper – it is real in our daily lives.
Everything I have learned in this group, I will continue to apply in my life. I will also continue my business with dedication.
I have set a personal goal: within the next five years, I want to save NPR 300,000. I will work hard to achieve this. With my effort and commitment, I also plan to expand my pig farming business from one pig to five or six in the future.
Finally, I want to say that I am truly grateful to be connected with the Slisha organization, i.e. the partner of WAWCAS in Nepal implementing the WAWCAS Program. I am thankful that I got the opportunity to write my blog through this platform.
I sincerely thank our trainers who brought this organization to us. I give special thanks to the WAWCAS Team, who have shown women like us the path to self-reliance.
I also express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who read my blog. I hope that reading this brings you joy, inspiration, and motivation.
Thank you.