Goto main content

HI supports Kabita in her dream job

Inclusion Rights
Nepal

21-year-old Kabita lives in Banke, a district in Western Nepal. When she was a student, she had a road accident that resulted in a physical disability. Today, Kabita is a successful rickshaw driver.

Kabita in her electric rickshaw, Nepal.

Kabita in her electric rickshaw, Nepal. | © G. Bhujel / HI

As a child, Kabita experienced societal stigma and discrimination. Her physical disability and the lack of accessibility in the education system prevented her from continuing her education, like many girls in her community. Thanks to the support of Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and its local partners, Kabita was able to resume her education and begin her dream job.

Kabita’s determination to change her life

“I never had a chance to play with other children, attend a wedding or go to a party,” says Kabita. “I could not participate in our cultural rituals in the village. I did not want to attend or participate in any event due to my functional limitations and the behavior of family and community members," she explains.

Due to Kabita’s strong determination, family support and participation in an HI project, she began to see changes in her life. Through the project, she attended a nine-month course designed to help children integrate standard schools. The course, known as a “bridge class”, helped Kabita enhance her literacy and numeracy skills.

Becoming an electric rickshaw driver

Kabita, a 21 year-old electric rickshaw driver in Nepal. © P. Sthapit / HILater, she chose to become an electric rickshaw driver. It was quite difficult to convince her family at first, because they perceived driving as a male-dominated profession. She encountered many misconceptions in her community. People would tell her that she couldn't drive a rickshaw, that handling passengers would be difficult, etc. This often shook Kabita’s confidence.

Kabita and her family received counseling from HI and local partner staff to overcome these barriers. As a result, Kabita succeeded in breaking down the stigma associated with disability and the prevailing gender stereotype. She learned to drive with support from HI. The organisation also provided her with start-up funds for an electric rickshaw.

"I make really good money and I provide a service for people," Kabita says.

Kabita is now confident in her profession and earns 1000-1700 Nepalese rupees a day, when the average income is between 500-700 rupees. Having already paid six installments, she is saving money for extra batteries and maintenance of her rickshaw. She has set an excellent example that girls with disabilities can pursue their dreams and can be an inspiration for others.

Helping girls and women with disabilities overcome barriers

“Women with disabilities are often neglected in their family and society due to their limitations,” says Indra Bista, Disability Inclusion Technical Officer at HI Nepal. “They face many barriers due to an environment that doesn’t include them. They are the last ones to be included in social activities and career development opportunities."

"In remote villages where families live in vulnerable conditions, women with disabilities are more vulnerable than other members of their family," Indra explains. “Whether it's access to education, health and livelihood, they are always denied their rights."

Since August 2018, the project has reached out to 185 girls with disabilities, like Kabita, to support them in finding a decent livelihood and improve their social participation. The project has supported a total of 862 girls, including those with disabilities from marginalised communities, in accessing inclusive quality education across the district of Banke.

Date published: 16/08/22

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

Ukraine, 1,000 days on: civilians are still the main victims of armed violence
© M.Monier / HI 2024
Emergency Explosive weapons Health Rehabilitation Rights

Ukraine, 1,000 days on: civilians are still the main victims of armed violence

20 November 2024 marked 1,000 days since the escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The impact of this war on civilians is catastrophic on many levels.

On the road to school with Anai
© A. Beaujolais / HI
Inclusion Rehabilitation

On the road to school with Anai

Before, Anai’s father had to carry her to school. Today, with the help of Humanity & Inclusion and the support of her family, she can go on her own.

Lithuania Abandons Cluster Munition Ban
© HI
Explosive weapons Rights

Lithuania Abandons Cluster Munition Ban

Lithuania has officially withdrawn from the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, following endorsement by the Lithuanian President of the Parliament approval to leave the convention on July 25.

FOLLOW US