Geeta Devi, a resident of Nageswari village is one of the women preserving the unique skill of intricate pattern making. The village in Tehrathum District, Province 1, consists of 26 households with the majority belonging to the indigenous community. The village lies on the border of the district due to which its problems and issues often go unnoticed and the people are deprived of information and facilities provided by the local government as well as the other organizations.

The area is quite dry and lacks irrigation facilities. This has made life difficult for its residents, including women who are deprived of opportunities to become economically independent. Women from this community possess indigenous skills of weaving cotton and making fabric out of it. Only women from the older generation possess this skill and if it is not passed to the new generation, it will be wiped out from the community.

Geeta Devi remembers her first weaving experience, “During that time only a handful of women had this skill. I always saw my motherin-law and sister-in-law get busy all day weaving cotton to make beautiful fabrics. I got inspired by them and learned this amazing skill. Initially, it was just out of interest, but now it has become the source of our family income.” “Cotton requires less water and grows well on dry land. After receiving cotton seeds from ActionAid Nepal (AAN) and Deurali Society (AAN partner organization), we started to grow cotton and it really grew well,” she shares.

“Through a reflect circle (an empowerment group), AAN also trained members of the group. I trained 15 women/girls to process cotton as well as weave fabrics. AAN also provided required equipment for weaving, which has been installed in the community building. It has made the weaving easier.” A reflect circle was formed in coordination with the local partners. The group included one member each from 26 households. Initially, the meetings were conducted weekly to identify potential areas for economic development, and cotton farming, as well as weaving.

AAN provided support of Rs 23,930 to procure cotton seeds. Cotton farming was first started in 11,192.28 sq meter of land. As production of cotton increased, residents wanted weaving equipment. AAN then provided Rs 30,560 to buy the required weaving equipment. Fifteen people were provided three months of training in cotton processing. The cotton fabric is called “khadi” in the local language.

“I am glad that I can contribute to preserve the indigenous skills of our community and transfer them to the new generation. Through cotton farming and weaving, I earn about Rs 150,000 annually which is three times more than what I could earn from farming. My husband and children help me by growing cotton, harvesting, processing, weaving, and selling. I feel this is more like teamwork. All the villagers can make more money from this if we can draw the attention of the local government in promoting farming, developing a good marketing strategy, and bringing innovation in the fabric-making process”.