– By Dolma Ghale
“Namaste!” Bhimkala greets us with a radiant smile, her eyes filled with warmth as she welcomes us through her front gate. The joy in her voice is unmistakable, yet there’s a certain strength behind her smile that tells a different story. Bhimkala Rokka, a simple woman from Koilabas Dada Gaon in Dang, Lumbini Province lives with her two children and elderly mother-in-law. A year and a half ago, her life was forever changed when her husband passed away, leaving behind a void that no one could fill. He had worked abroad for years to support their family, but when he returned home, illness swiftly took hold. In and out of hospitals, struggling with heart problems, his health rapidly declined.
Once, they shared the weight of family life and responsibilities. Now, she carries them alone. She often reflects on how different life was with her husband by her side, his presence gave her strength, direction, and reassurance. Despite the constant challenges, she pushes forward, never allowing her struggles to overwhelm those she loves.Top of FormBottom of Form Living near the India-Nepal border adds another layer of hardship to Bhimkala’s already challenging life. She has no choice but to take her goats across the border to India for grazing, where food and supplies are also more affordable. However, each trip comes with its own set of difficulties, as she often faces tension with the local Indian residents. “The locals tell us to go back to our own country’s jungle.”
The day Heifer’s representatives visited Bhimkala’s home marked a turning point in her life. After hearing about her struggles from neighbors, the Heifer team reached out to offer guidance and support through the VITA program. Bhimkala had been raising goats for years, but she had never received the kind of knowledge or resources that Heifer provided. With their help, she learned proper goat farming, from animal care to running a more sustainable operation, including climate-smart practices, efficient feed management, and ensuring a reliable food source for the cattle. Heifer’s impact was immediate and profound. They built a new goat shed and chicken coop, transforming the living conditions for her animals. The sight of her goats thriving in their clean, comfortable environment has brought Bhimkala peace of mind, knowing that she is doing the best for them. And with proper care, her herd has grown.
But the support didn’t end there. Heifer representatives regularly checked in, offering advice, and veterinary services, and ensuring that her goats received the necessary treatments. They also helped Bhimkala access better market prices for her goats. Before, buyers would offer her only 400 rupees per kg of goat, even though the market rate was 500 rupees. “Now”, she says with a smile, “I’m getting paid fairly, and I’ve learned how to negotiate effectively.”
Bhimkala also received seeds for nutritious grasses like Napier and Ipil Ipil, which she grew to feed her goats. Through Heifer, she also became part of the Laligurans cooperative and received the cornerstone training. Our projects are built on 12 core values, known as the Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development, which guide and align all participants’ actions, fostering group wisdom and focus. The training emphasized the value of collaboration, sharing, and supporting one another. Now, she works alongside other women farmers, exchanging knowledge and offering mutual support. The spirit of community and learning was exactly what she needed to reignite her hope for the future.
Bhimkala has also embraced sustainable farming practices, collecting manure from her goats and using it to fertilize different vegetables she grows like cauliflowers, sponge gourd, tomatoes, spinach she grows. She meets her family’s needs and sells the surplus for extra income. As a single mother, she encourages women to be financially independent and keep pushing forward. “We should not rely on our husbands for financial support. We need to take charge of our own lives. Women can do anything, we just have to keep trying and learning, even if we don’t succeed immediately,” says Bhimkala. She believes goat farming is a great way to earn a decent living, particularly when equipped with the right resources and market connections.
Bhimkala’s story is one of remarkable strength and growth. Though the road has been difficult, her determination to create a better life for her children and herself is truly inspiring. Once filled with uncertainty, her life is now full of possibility and it’s all thanks to the partnership with Heifer. Bhimkala stands as a beacon of resilience, reminding us that with the right support, knowledge, and perseverance, we can overcome even the toughest of challenges.
