Pragya Sherchan
In a project reflection meeting women groups proposed an exchange visit among themselves to cross learn from their works. Initially, I was not fully convinced with the idea. I fear that it will be a recreation activity rather than a learning event. Lately I thanked the women groups for proposing the exchange visit. The woman groups not only learned but are motivate to replicate the learning in their own palikas.
I joined Srijansheel Mahila Samaj Nepal team, a woman group in Tarakeshwor municipality, to Nala, Banepa municipality and observe the works of Mahila Jagaran Samuha, a women group in Banepa municipality. Mahila Jagaran Samuha is leading an organic movement in leadership of Nirmala Shrestha who herself is a cancer survivor of excessive use of chemical fertilizer. In Nala, we observed making of organic fertilizers eg. Effective Microorganism (EM) and Bokashi. These fertilizers are used for composting biodegradable waste generated from kitchen and apply in rooftop farming. We learned that managing biodegradable waste reduce methane emission. Mahila Jagaran Samuha is also producing organic local products such as candies, jam, juice, pickles, titaura (mix of sourness, sweetness and spiciness in the form of candy) and ketchup from local fruits and vegetables manufactured by them. This organic movement lead by women group is empowering fellow women with skill, knowledge and employment and also contribute to addressing climate crisis.
Ms. Susma Regmi, Chairperson, Srijansheel Mahila Samaj Nepal expressed gratitude to Mahila Jagara Samuha and PRC for the opportunity to learn on producing organic fertilizers from kitchen waste. In Tarakeshwor municipality (near to Kathmandu), we do not have arable land as in Nala. However, we can do rooftop farming. Besides solid waste (plastic, paper, cloth etc) now we have the idea to manage our kitchen waste, she added. Her group has already approached the municipality to work on rooftop farming and organic fertilizers from kitchen waste.
In reciprocity Mahila Jagaran Samuha learned reuse and recycling of solid waste in their visit to Srijansheel Mahila Samaj Nepal. In Tarakeshwor municipality, the women group collects solid waste from their member houses and segregated plastic and metals are sold to a local recycler. Cloths are recycled to develop cushions and mattress and sell them in Montessori schools. The group is earning income and also contributing to waste management in the municipality.
Ms. Nirmala Shrestha, Chairperson, Mahila Jagaran Samuha said that plastic and other types of solid waste is increasing in her locality. Now she had an idea on recycle and reusing solid waste. Her group is working to replicate the work in their place.
Sahayatra Nepal visited India’s State of Sikkim and learned from Hon. Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister and Hon. Loknath Sharma, State Minister and Mr. Kunga Samdup Bhutia, Joint Director, Agriculture Department on “Farming is Future and Future is Farming” movement in Sikkim. They shared that in the first three years organic farming produce less but in the later years the production is higher than the chemical fertilizer. The Chief Minister awarded the group with Indian Rupees 50,000 (approximately USD 600) to initiate organic movement in Ilam municipality. After the visit, Hem Kumari Siwa, Chairperson, Sahayatra Nepal said they will engage to replicate organic farming movement in Ilam municipality. A team of Sikkim government made a return visit to Ilam and interacted with the municipal team. This has further support their movement.
I am amazed by learning made by the women groups and actions that they had taken after the field visits. The passionate and dedicated women groups are now in organic movement. I am happy that I was proved wrong. These visits are made through ‘Civil society engagement for gender-just climate solutions and actions in Nepal’ project supported by Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA).
