Manisha Rana (32) is the secretary of her microfinance women’s group. Her family is a multi-generational household made of her mother, her husband, and her son. Every day, Manisha makes money by selling chatpate and chowmein daily—two popular street food items in Nepal. People describe her as “dedicated” and “hardworking”.
How did she become the Women’s Group’s secretary? Just a year ago, she joined the My Business-My Freedom Microfinance Program with a loan of NPR 35,000 (USD 247) and began her small snack store. Her hard work paid off because her store has been making NPR 500 to 1,000 daily (USD 3.5 – 7). This income had helped her support her son’s education, purchase new clothes, access medical care, cover daily household expenses, and pay the microloan in installments. Manisha was once a woman who dreamed of having financial freedom, and now she is living that reality.
Now that Manisha is in a better position, she openly advocates for women’s rights. She strongly believes that women must become economically empowered and self-reliant to protect themselves from the harms that come with being an impoverished woman in Nepal. She also actively speaks out against human trafficking and gender-based violence in her community—urging others to also take a stand.
As we spent more time with Manisha, we also learned how deeply spiritual she is. She has been a devoted Christian for the past 15 years, letting her faith play an important role in her everyday life. Not only is she the Women’s Group secretary, but she is also an active member of her church community.
Manisha’s story is an extraordinary testament to how empowered women continue to empower others. It’s her strength that holds not only herself, but also other members of her community.
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Help us prevent human trafficking by empowering women through the My Business – My Freedom Microfinance Program in Nepal. Together, we can create a safer world for her and her children.
