March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, and political achievements of women.

This day traces its roots back to the early 1900s, when many women laborers working in harsh conditions began raising their voices for equality and rights. Recognizing their courage and the broader struggle for gender equality, the United Nations officially designated March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975. Today, it continues to be observed around the world, often seen as the first symbolic celebration of spring.

To honor this meaningful occasion, Miral Welfare Foundation shares inspiring stories of women with disabilities in Nepal who have carved out new paths through vocational training programs. The cases of employment and entrepreneurship by women with disabilities in Nepal clearly show that every woman can pursue her dreams with confidence and hope.

Challenge That Led to Entrepreneurial Success Despite Adversity

Since 2018, the Miral Welfare Foundation’s Nepal office has been operating the ‘VOICE Vocational Training Center’ in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Spinal Injury Sangh Nepal, with the aim of promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and supporting their employment and entrepreneurship.

Every day, many graduates with disabilities apply the skills they learned at the VOICE Center to successfully find jobs and achieve their dreams - or even go further by starting their own businesses and making a positive impact in their communities. Among them are the stories of Jyoti Harijian and Tasi Doma.

Jyoti Harijan, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, lives in Lalitpur, Nepal. She currently runs a small shop selling handmade crochet and knitted items, along with cosmetics. It had always been her dream to run her own business. But the path to realizing that dream was marked by unforgettable pain and hardship.

Fourteen years ago, shortly after giving birth to a daughter following her marriage, her life changed dramatically. Before she could fully celebrate the joy of becoming a mother, her husband, enraged that she had given birth to a girl rather than a boy, set her on fire. As a result, she suffered severe burns and had to spend years in the hospital. During this time, she endured unimaginable physical and emotional pain and was left with deep scars -both on her body and in her heart- from the abuse and abandonment by her own family. On top of this, the prolonged treatment caused her medical expenses to grow, making her financial situation increasingly difficult.

Though her deep wounds and long-standing pain made it difficult to plan for the future, she still held on to a dream - creating and selling products made through crochet and knitting, which she loved. While searching for a way forward, she happened to learn about the VOICE Vocational Training Center through an acquaintance. She joined the vocational rehabilitation program and was able to develop a structured business plan.

Thanks to in-depth market analysis provided by experts and financial support, she was able to purchase the materials and essential items needed to run her shop. With this support, she now runs a small store and continues to grow every day- not only for herself but also for the future of her daughter.

Jyoti Harijan

“I was trapped for a long time in the pain of my past and the limitations it brought, and I was afraid to plan for a better future.

But over time, I began to gradually accept the scars left on both my body and heart.

The VOICE Center didn’t just provide financial support- it helped me regain my confidence.

Thanks to that, I am now able to run my shop with stability and continue to grow without major difficulties in making a living.

I will keep working hard for myself and for my daughter’s future.”

- From an interview with Jyoti Harijan

Flying Toward Her Dream

Tasi Doma, a 20-year-old woman from Solukhumbu, Nepal, is deaf. She has deaf parents and a younger brother who is also deaf, but only her father is able to communicate using sign language. As a result, she often felt a sense of disconnection growing up, especially when trying to communicate with her mother.

These experiences inspired her to dream of becoming a teacher-hoping to bridge the communication gap between people with and without disabilities through education. She pursued a degree in education at the Central School for the Deaf in Naxal, Nepal.

While studying for her bachelor’s degree in education, Tasi first encountered the VOICE Center. Through career counseling and job placement services offered by her case manager, she was connected to a housekeeping vocational training program in Nepal.

After completing the training, she was recognized for her potential and successfully hired as a housekeeper at the Hilton Kathmandu Hotel.

Working there allowed her to achieve financial independence and gain newfound confidence. She expressed her desire to continue growing from this opportunity and one day become an excellent teacher.

*Housekeeping: Involves room maintenance and providing requested amenities to guests.

Tasi Doma

“The encouragement and support from my colleagues have been a great source of strength for me.

Thanks to them, I was able to grow professionally and take one step closer to my dream.

I truly hope that people with disabilities like myself will also be able to enjoy a stable life through proper employment opportunities.”

- From an interview with Tasi Doma

A Path to Change, Together with Miral Welfare Foundation

Building on these success stories, the VOICE Vocational Training Center of Miral Welfare Foundation plans to expand its support to reach more participants and introduce a more specialized case management system.

In addition, a sustainable support network will be established to promote the social independence and economic advancement of persons with disabilities.

Miral Welfare Foundation will continue to stand as a strong and reliable partner, walking alongside all persons with disabilities as they confidently pursue their own path.