Empowering Women: Technical Training Transforms Lives in Itahari

Dharan. Bhawana Niraula, who has been running an electronics shop in Itahari for four years, is now busy repairing various household electrical appliances. Previously, she primarily handled sales and customer service while her husband managed repairs and field work. However, her role has shifted significantly after completing technical repair training.

She shares her experience of the major changes in her daily life following the training conducted by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme—Sustainable Energy for Recovery and Empowerment in Nepal (REAP Green). REAP Green is a project supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with technical assistance from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

Bhawana explains that in the nine-day training supported by the project, she learned the basics of electrical connections, troubleshooting, and repairing rice cookers, electric kettles, mixers, and induction stoves. She says, “Within a month of finishing the training, I have repaired six electric jugs and four heaters. Even though heater repair was not part of the training, I used the electrical principles I learned to identify and solve the problems. The multimeter I received during the training has become my most useful tool, helping me identify wiring and connection issues.”

Initially, some customers were surprised to see a woman holding a screwdriver and would ask questions. After seeing the quality of her work, customers now offer praise and encouragement. During the winter, many customers brought heaters and kettles for repair, and her confidence grew with every successful job. Since these items are seasonal, she now wants to focus on repairing year-round appliances like rice cookers and induction stoves. She believes such technical skills provide new opportunities for women and help them become economically self-reliant.

Women's participation in technical training conducted by REAP Green partners at the local level is gradually increasing. Swastika Dahal, a second-year undergraduate student from Khanar, Itahari, has been assisting as a salesperson in an electronics shop for some time. After receiving training in electrical appliance repair, she has started applying her skills both at home and at the shop. Since the training, she has become capable of repairing electric kettles, rice cookers, and heaters.

She mentions that this work has also provided her with some income. While it currently serves as a good part-time opportunity alongside her studies, she plans to make it her career in the future. Currently providing services from home, she intends to open her own shop to utilize the skills learned during the training.

Participants of the training have even formed an informal group, gathering broken items at one house to repair them together. Dahal notes that this has helped them improve their skills even after the training. Using the skills and tools gained from the program, these women are now working together in their homes and communities to solve technical problems.

The training has provided participants like Bhawana and Swastika with practical technical skills, confidence, and new income opportunities. Expressing confidence that their capabilities will grow with continuous practice, Bhawana says, “We feel the need for further training to develop the ability to repair all types of household appliances.”