Jalbarsha Rajbanshi, a resident of Jhapa feels her life has been transformed after she actively participated in programs organized by Jagaran Nepal. Rajbanshi, 37, has been actively participating in activities organized by Gauradha Women Empowerment Group since its establishment. She has managed to continue her study even after her marriage and has even completed her bachelors’ degree.

Born to a normal family, she has worked hard after being involved in WEG. As a result, in less than two years, she has made herself a role model for many women from marginalized communities in her rural municipality. She says, “Because of Jagaran Nepal and its local partner organizations, I got involved in many leadership training programs that have inspired and encouraged me to do better. Through such training, meetings and interaction programs, I learned key leadership skills, especially public speaking. I can now deliver speeches confidently in my community.”

According to her, she gained knowledge about many issues, especially related to politics, economics, women rights through the programs conducted under this project. She says, “Jagaran Nepal has helped transform my life drastically. I was confined to my household chores but after gaining knowledge about the importance of women’s participation in politics, I have been politically active in my community and I believe that political empowerment is necessary tool to bring changes in the lives of women. It provides power to make decisions”.

With hard work and dedication, she was elected as a woman ward member (non reserved seat) in local level election and also won the position of executive member of Gauradaha Municipality. Rajbanshi says that if one is willing to work hard, one can achieve the desired goals. Her work has been appreciated by her community. She is thankful to Jagaran Nepal for conducting such a project that has been able to bring changes in her and many women’s lives. She expresses her commitment to fight against malpractices in the community and contribute to raising awareness for economic and political empowerment of the society, especially women.