Case Story: The Spirit of Empowerment – Chetnagar Women Empowerment Centre (WEC), Chandrapur–9
Chetnagar, a small but vibrant community in Chandrapur–9, has witnessed an inspiring transformation through the Women Empowerment Centre (WEC) under the Building Community Resilience to Climate Risk and Vulnerabilities (BCRC) project, implemented by Rural Development Centre (RDC) Nepal with the support of Oxfam in Nepal.
The WEC has become a symbol of unity, leadership, and self-reliance for local women who once hesitated to step beyond household duties. Through continuous meetings, discussions, and participatory planning, the women of Chetnagar began identifying their own community needs. During one such discussion, most members raised a practical concern that was the lack of agricultural tools, particularly spray tanks needed to control pests and diseases in crops. Women expressed that the absence of such tools made their farm work difficult and time-consuming.
Listening to their collective voice, the WEC decided to take action. With guidance from the project team and following the seven-step planning process which they were prepared and submitted in ward, the group developed a small but impactful plan to provide spray tanks for members. In the plan, they had also mentioned about the agricultural support for farmers. Following that planning process, after proper coordination and planning, 15 spray tanks were successfully procured and distributed by the ward among women and men farmers within the group.
The day when those spray tanks arrived in Chetnagar, the Chetnagrs WEC groups’ heart was filled with excitement and pride. For the women, it was not just an agricultural tool but a symbol of empowerment and independence. They now began spraying their own crops without waiting for others’ help. This simple step not only saved labor and cost but also boosted their confidence and self-respect. Local men started acknowledging the leadership and capability of women in farming activities, something rarely seen before.
Although not everyone received a personal spray tank, the women decided to share resources among themselves. This practice encouraged a strong sense of collective ownership, cooperation, and mutual support in the community. The story of Chetnagar WEC proves that empowerment is not achieved only through large projects but it can begin with small, practical actions that lead to big changes. The initiative of these women has become a motivating example for others in the surrounding communities.
In addition to their agricultural achievements, the members of Chetnagar WEC also took a major step in cultural preservation and income generation. During the Tihar festival, they collectively organized and performed Deusi Bhailo, a traditional musical and cultural activity, filled with songs, dance, and laughter. Through their teamwork and coordination, they were able to collect nearly NPR 30,000, which has now been safely deposited into the WEC’s group fund.
After mutual discussion, the women have decided to utilize this amount to start a group-based enterprise. They are now preparing to begin handmade cotton incense (Bateko Dhup) production, using the collected funds as seed capital. The women are eager to receive skill training in incense making and plan to formally inaugurated their further activities in the upcoming WEC session. This initiative will not only create a sustainable income source but also promote locally made products led by women entrepreneurs in the community.
Beyond financial success, these collective efforts have significantly strengthened unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among the members. Women who once hesitated to speak are now confidently engaging in discussions, making decisions, and planning their own community development activities and bringing the changes in their own lives inspiring others
The story of Chetnagar WEC is more than just about a group of women receiving tools or raising funds, it is a story of empowerment, confidence, and leadership in action. Their journey proves that when women unite with a shared vision, they can drive meaningful change within their families, communities, and beyond.
“When women rise, the community prospers, and when communities prosper, the nation moves forward.”
