A group of Nepali women has been trained in manufacturing lac bangles in Jaipur with the help of an NGO. “The art of making lac bangles will help us start a new life in Nepal,” says Bhavna Bhandari, a Nepali girl.
The Nepali women stayed in Jaipur for a fortnight while renowned artisan Iftikhar Ahmed imparted the training to them.
Uma Sahay, who comes from western Nepal, says the Nepali women fully depend on men. “The women are struggling to find their own space in Nepal,” she says.
“The women are marginalised in Nepal. We totally depend on our menfolk. Now, we hope we will lead a new independent life,” Uma says.
The Nepali women said there was a great demand of lac bangles in their country.
“Women like these beautiful hand-made bangles,” says Bhavana Bhandari.
Ahmed said the Nepali women were so talented and they learnt the skill in no time with their dedication.
The Nepali women said they were returning to their country with a resolve to establish their own work. Ms Ruchi Singh, coordinator of the programme, said this was not for the first time when Nepali women were taught such skills. “In the past, 15 Nepali unemployed women were imparted training in the cottage industry,” Ms Singh said.
Rukma Shumsher Rana, Nepali ambassador to India, said these women came from west Nepal’s rural belt. “Not just these women but some Nepali farmers also learnt the skill of developed farming,” he says.
Ms Singh said such programmes will go a long way towards bringing the people of the two neighbouring countries closer.