Hardship to leadership: Binu Maharjan’s incredible evolution
There was a time when Binu Maharjan would not even be able to introduce herself without breaking down in tears. Looking at the hardships she has faced in life, it’s easy to see why her confidence was so shaken. So how did Binu go from there to becoming the president of the home-based workers’ group in Ward 27 of Sunakothi?
Born into a modest family in Sunakothi, Lalitpur - Nepal, Binu eloped at the age of 24. With an education only up to 8th standard, she did not have many career paths open. She initially focused on her family, giving birth to her daughter and son. But her challenges were just beginning.
When pregnant with her first child, Binu suffered from a prolonged bout of jaundice. Her daughter was born prematurely at 7 months, necessitating a month-long hospital stay. Struggling to pay the bills, Binu opened a small grocery and cosmetic shop once she was well enough. When this venture failed, she opened a street food stall, while her husband worked in a marketing office. Unfortunately, both businesses incurred losses, leaving the family in severe financial distress.
As if these challenges weren't enough, Binu's father passed away, followed closely by her sister Sabita’s husband. Reeling from emotional and financial upheaval, the family struggled to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Their turning point came when Binu's sister Sabita got introduced to Women for Human Rights (WHR), later becoming the district president of Lalitpur. Through her, Binu was introduced to WHR too.
Attending WHR’s legal awareness, psychosocial counselling, gender violence, and climate change training programs changed Binu's life. Equipped with the right knowledge, she engaged in various home-based income-generating activities like making incense, puffed rice, dolls, cushions, tailoring, velvet shoes, and bangles, often fulfilling orders from various organisations as part of a group.
As her life improved, Binu began to understand the importance of unity, collective identity, and self-advocacy. In July 2012, she took on a leadership role as the president of the home-based workers’ group in Ward 27 of Sunakothi, Lalitpur Metropolitan City.
Under her leadership, the group expanded from 14 to 81 members today. They engage in various income-generating activities – like agriculture, pickle making, liquid soap production, incense stick making, sweater knitting, embroidery, sewing, and carpet-making from hay. This has contributed to their journey of financial independence – even being able to purchase soap and other household requirements with their own money gives them a taste of success. Moreover, seeing their tangible growth, other workers join the group too.
WHR’s caretaker training program opened yet another door for Binu. After completing the program and training under a physiotherapist from Vayodhya Hospital, Binu’s skills caught the eye of the authorities at the hospital where she worked as a cleaning staff member. There were no physiotherapists at the hospital, and Binu’s impressive skills got her a job on the spot. Today, she works as a physiotherapist at Swostik Health Care Center, earning a good monthly income. She also provides home visits to patients, earning both good remuneration and respect.
Binu continues to advocate for the rights and opportunities of the 81 HBWs in her locality, remaining committed to their empowerment. Aside from facilitating new opportunities, Binu also mentors many women in her community – building their confidence and encouraging them to assert their voice. Binu’s mother-in-law and daughter are also active members of this group, reflecting the generational impact of her leadership.
Her transformation from a struggling home-based worker to a respected community leader has been extraordinary – and it is all due to her resilience, determination and a strong sense of community responsibility.