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Indira Pokhrel’s Inspiring Journey From Hardship to Leadership

-By Shahira Thapa

In the heart of Model Dairy Village, Kamalamai, Sindhuli, Indira Pokhrel defied societal norms to become a beacon of women’s empowerment. Once financially dependent, she now manages a thriving dairy cooperative, proving that with determination and opportunity, women can transform their lives and communities.

A Life Turned Upside Down

Indira grew up in a male-dominated society where women had little say in financial matters. Every financial decision required permission from her husband or in-laws, leaving her economically dependent. But her world changed drastically when her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Suddenly, the burden of supporting her entire family fell on her shoulders. She had to juggle multiple roles—managing household responsibilities, caring for her sick husband and elderly mother-in-law, raising her son, and finding a way to earn a living. Having never managed finances independently, she faced immense uncertainty. But instead of giving up, she chose to fight back.

“I remember the fear,” she recalls. “Not just for my husband’s health, but for our future. I didn’t even know where to start.”

From Dependency to Financial Freedom

Although Indira held a master’s degree in Nepali, societal norms had confined her to household duties while her husband remained the sole breadwinner. Her transformative journey began in 2022 when she joined the Gaiya Devi Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG), formed by Heifer in her village. Through the Milky Way Program, she received a Korean Holstein cow, marking the first step toward financial independence.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of farmers, particularly women; Milky Way Project provided her with specialized training in modern farming techniques, animal husbandry, shed management, milk production, climate-smart farming, and digital monitoring, among other essential skills.

With each step forward, her aspirations grew. While expanding her dairy business, she embraced leadership, mastering financial planning and business management. Determined to create lasting change, her SHG joined forces with three other main SHGs and nine sister SHGs—formed through Passing on the Gift. What began with just 52 members evolved into the Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Dairy Cooperative under the Milky Way Program.

By April 2024, this once small, scattered network had flourished into a thriving, women-led dairy cooperative. Today, the cooperative supports over 300 women farmers, operates a milk collection center that produces more than 1,300 liters of milk daily, and provides stable incomes for families across the region. What began as a single step toward financial independence has now created a ripple effect—empowering women, strengthening communities, and paving the way for a more prosperous future.

“Before, I felt invisible. Now, I make decisions, lead meetings, and inspire others to dream bigger. It is not just about financial independence; it is about reclaiming our voices,” says Indira.

Balancing Family, Work, and Leadership

Indira starts her days before sunrise, caring for her Korean Holstein cows and ensuring they receive proper attention. Dairy farming is not just a livelihood for her; it is a testament to self-reliance.

Her earnings from milk production and her managerial role at Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Dairy Cooperative allow her to single-handedly support her son’s education, fund her husband’s medical treatment, and cover household expenses. Balancing her responsibilities, she seamlessly manages her home, livestock, and cooperative duties.

Once hesitant to speak in public, she now confidently leads meetings, makes financial decisions, and mentors other women. She proves that, with the right opportunities, confidence and leadership can flourish.

Empowering Women for a Better Future

She says, “To me, true success lies in empowering others.” Through her work, she has inspired many to break free from traditional constraints and seek financial independence, proving that it is possible to balance both work and family. Under her leadership, the dairy cooperative demonstrates that women can excel in business and leadership while also managing their homes and families.

With support from the Milky Way Program, Indira continues to learn and mentor others, equipping women with the confidence and skills to take control of their lives. She firmly believes that when women achieve financial independence, entire communities thrive.

“Women play a big role in society, but they don’t always get the chance to lead. When they do, they go above and beyond.” she says.

A Vision for Growth and Lasting Change

Indira is determined to expand the cooperative by establishing a dedicated facility, enhancing the milk collection center, and training women and dairy cooperatives across Nepal. She also aims to introduce new dairy products and strengthen women’s financial literacy.

She envisions Model Dairy Village as a key hub for milk production in Nepal, with the goal of transforming the cooperative into a model for others across the country. She dreams of a future where women have equal opportunities in business, challenging societal norms with every step forward.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Indira’s vision doesn’t stop here. She aspires to further empower women in both business and leadership while continuing to expand the cooperative’s impact. Her journey is far from over, but she has already proven that with determination, resilience, and the right support, women can transform their own destinies.