A women’s group changed her life

Shrijana Thapa used to be a quiet, gentle and obedient girl that did what her parents told her to do. Life lay in front of her with marriage, children and housework. Today she is programme coordinator at DCRDC in Baglung and speaks about women’s rights.

By Malene Lærke

20. June 2007

Shrijana Thapa walks fast and determined and takes a rapid glance at her watch. She is 15 minutes late which is very unlike her usual precision. Things are in order and in their right place. She is regarded as a strong woman and a person that many speak about with respect in their voice. At MS Nepal gatherings she is one of the few women who have something to say and she does it with a power that makes people listen. But there was a time when people did not listen because she had not yet found her voice and the subjects to speak about.

Shrijana Thapa grew up in Baglung and in her future as a little girl was a house, a husband and children. Today she has a Masters degree in sociology and since August 2001 she has worked as programme coordinator at DCRDC. Shrijana Thapas life path changed because she got insight in what life could be like if she learned and opened her eyes.

A new perspective

The story about the person the 29 year old woman Shrijana Thapa is today begins seven years ago. At that time she joined a women’s group under DCRDC in the MS Nepal programme. She worked in the group as a secretary for three years. The work in the group was an eye-opener for Shrijana Thapa who began to look at her life from a new perspective namely that she could be so much more.

“In the group I learned about women’s rights and what they are all about. Before I joined the group I didn’t know anything about women’s rights but in the group I learned so much,” tells Shrijana Thapa.

“I learned that although there is legislation that tells about women’s rights the laws are not practiced. Slowly I began to understand. After the work in the group I have tried to apply it into practice in my own life. You have to know the law to practice it.”

A mentally change

The work in the women’s group changed the way Shrijana Thapa looks at herself as a woman. The mentally change as to how she perceives herself got different over time.

“The interesting thing was what there was happening in my head. Before I began working in the group I was a just a girl and a daughter. I should serve a husband and the family. That was my job and my future. Through the work in the group I got encouraged and I learned that if I learn something I can do something with my life. Today I have the courage to do that,” she says.

The courage is among other things used for speaking her mind.

“I have learned that I have a voice that can be heard and I have learned to speak. I talk about women’s rights. I am continuously learning and teaching. I have a strong determination and I know I can do something to help other women.”

“One of the most difficult obstacles I have had to overcome was in the board at DCRDC. In the past there were no women on the board but today I am there to raise the voice of women. Most of the members are men and it took some time before I had the courage to speak my mind. Also in the beginning when I had to go to the field I was afraid to walk alone or as the only woman together with men,” she recalls and adds that it is no problem for her today.

Her close colleague Yogendra Pant, who is the executive chairman in DCRDC, recalls the first time Shrijana Thapa had to go to the regional meeting in the Western region under MS Nepal alone.

“She was so scared and did not want to go but I told her it would be okay and that she would easily be able to manage. I keep on encouraging her because she has the potential to be so much. Today she goes without any hesitation,” he says with one of his characteristic big smiles.

The obedient woman

During her childhood she was brought up to be a gentle and obedient women by her mother and it has at times been difficult to shake the upbringing off her back where she was told that a good woman does housework.

“It can be difficult at times,” she says but she hesitates to be concrete about when it is difficult.

“My family is very understanding but it happens that they ask why I have to spend so much time at DCRDC. Why are you always at DCRDC they are asking. In the beginning it was difficult but both my family and the neighbourhood has been very understanding. The people in general might be confused about what this girl is doing but I have no major difficulties,” says Shrijana Thapa who still lives with her parents and have chosen to stay unmarried because she enjoys her single life. She says it very convincing and laughs while she is saying it but also looks a bit puzzled why is should be important to know about her marital status. Shrijana Thapa loves talking about her work at DCRDC but keeps a firm distance when asked about her personal life. There is a border that is not to be crossed. The dream about her future concerns her work.

“I want to be a capable woman, stand on my own two feet and be self-reliant. I want to teach other women what I have learned. I want to show the community that a woman can do the same as any man,” she says with a determination that leaves no doubt that she will be able to do it exactly like that.

Since the interview with Shrijana Thapa was took place the MS programme at DCRDC has been phase out. Today she works voluntarily at DCRDC full time to continue her work for women and the community.