Chameli’s bright future begins!

Chameli [name changed] is 29 years of age and has two children aged 3 and 5. Chameli was abandoned by her husband and his family. She move to Pokhara in hopes of being able to provide for her two children. Single mothers with no job and no family support are easy targets for traffickers. Chameli heard about the Captivating / 3AN My Business-My Freedom program. This life changing program equips women with skills and opportunities to become self-sustainable – helping to prevent her and her children from becoming victims of human trafficking. Chameli joined one of the My Business-My Freedom groups in her community.

Through the My Business-My Freedom program, Chameli is receiving training in tailoring and has plans of opening her own tailoring shop soon. Chameli is grateful for this incredible opportunity and for the group she is part of. She receives moral support from women who are in a similar position as she is and who are all willing to work hard to change their situation and give their children a brighter future. Once Chameli finishes her training, she will be eligible to apply for her first loan to begin her new business – HER BUSINESS, HER FREEDOM.

5 women have received their very first loan through this program ranging from 18,000 NPR [US$173] to 22,000 NPR [US$211]. Tailoring, door-to-door clothing sales, a local tea shop and poultry farming are business that have just been started by these women.

71 women are now part of the MY BUSINESS – MY FREEDOM program, a program that will progressively expand up to 1,000 clients. As they complete their training, and with much support and guidance, each of these women will receive a small loan to begin their own business.