SATV, Kathmandu, May. 21 - At first, Nirmala Kumari Mahato of Gelha village in Harion Municipality–4, Sarlahi, did not receive support from her family when she decided to take up shoe-making as a profession.

Neighbours and villagers mocked her, saying, “How can a daughter-in-law do such work?” Today, however, the same Nirmala has become a successful entrepreneur, earning a good income from making shoes and gaining the support of her family as well as praise from the community.

The 34-year-old, who has been making and selling shoes for the past decade, now earns more than Rs. 50,000 a month after expenses.

At a time when many daughters-in-law in Madhes are still expected to remain behind traditional restrictions, Nirmala has established herself as a well-known and inspiring shoe entrepreneur in the region.

After completing a three-month training course in shoe-making in her village, she worked at another shoe factory for a short time. 

When the factory owner later shut down the business, Nirmala convinced her father-in-law to support her and borrowed Rs. 120,000 to start her own shoe factory at home.

Her business now provides employment not only to her husband, Umesh, but also to several local youths. Shoes made by Nirmala are highly popular in the village. Her products are sold not only in different markets of Sarlahi but also in Chandranigahapur, Janakpur, Sindhuli, Ramechhap and Biratnagar. 

Nirmala said she produces and sells hundreds, sometimes even thousands of pairs of shoes, each month.

“Earlier, everyone mocked me, but now everyone supports and encourages me,” Nirmala said.  “When I first said I wanted to make shoes, my family and neighbours laughed at me. But now they say we are doing well and encourage us to achieve even more.”

Nirmala said the income from the shoe business has helped her provide quality education to her two children and support her family comfortably.

She also said that after her husband returned from Malaysia in 2014, where he had gone for foreign employment, she involved him in the business as well.

Umesh is now actively engaged in shoe-making alongside Nirmala.

“Life here is far better than the hardships of working abroad,” Umesh said. “My wife’s dedication and hard work give me even more motivation.”

Nirmala said she plans to expand the business in the future by bringing in more modern shoe-making machines.

Recognising her success as a woman entrepreneur in Madhes, Harion Municipality has already honoured her as a model entrepreneur within the municipality.