Aakriti is a green economy entrepreneur
Aakriti, a 24-year-old from Bardiya, is a determined and resilient young woman who’s turning opportunities into a sustainable livelihood through vermicompost production, all while championing environmental conservation.
At just twenty-four years old, Aakriti from Bardiya is making strides as an entrepreneur in the green economy. Her determination and resilience have transformed her into a role model for her community. Despite early challenges, she has embraced opportunities to create a sustainable livelihood through vermicompost production, aligning her work with environmental conservation.
Akriti says, “Starting my own business has given me a sense of independence I never imagined. Earning my own income brings a unique joy—it’s not just about money but the confidence and pride of standing on my own feet.”
Aakriti’s journey has not been easy. Coming from a family dependent on sharecropping and labour work, meeting basic needs like health, education, and food was always a struggle. Financial constraints forced her to discontinue her education after the 12th grade. Married at just 16, she quickly took on family responsibilities and became a mother within a year of marriage. However, Aakriti never gave up on her aspirations.
She reflects, “It breaks my heart that I had to stop my education after the 12th grade due to family struggles. I’ve always wanted to continue learning, and now I realise how education empowers women. It gives us the confidence to dream big and invest in small businesses like mine.
She adds, “One day, I hope to continue my studies and inspire other women in my community to do the same.”
“One day, I hope to continue my studies and inspire other women in my community to do the same.”
Aakriti
Her turning point came when she saw a notice from the ward office inviting participants for vermicompost-making training under the Green Economy Project. The project aimed to empower women through sustainable livelihood programs. Meeting the criteria, Aakriti was overjoyed to be selected.
Building a sustainable future
Aakriti participated in various training sessions, starting with life skills training that boosted her self-confidence. She recalls, “This training taught me how to face challenges and express myself confidently.” Following this, she attended a five-day micro-entrepreneurship development course, where she learned essential business skills, including profit-loss calculations, business planning, market analysis, and marketing techniques.
Aakriti adds, “The micro-entrepreneurship training taught me how to plan my business, calculate profit and loss, and understand the market. Now, I apply these skills to manage my vermicompost business effectively. I set clear goals, analyse demand, and ensure my products meet the needs of local farmers. This knowledge has transformed my small idea into a growing business.”
Additionally, Aakriti joined environmental conservation and waste management training. “I’ve understood the importance of protecting the environment,” she says. “I no longer use plastic bags or bottles and have reduced plastic materials in my business.” These sessions inspired her to integrate eco-friendly practices into her entrepreneurial journey.
Inspiring others
Aakriti’s story is more than personal success; it’s about inspiring others. Her venture not only improves her family’s economic situation but also promotes environmental conservation. She says, “This training has given me the idea of becoming self-reliant through entrepreneurship. Earning my own money brings joy and independence like nothing else.”
Akriti reflects, “I’ve just started my business, and it feels incredibly satisfying to have something I can truly call my own. It’s not just about the income; it’s about the pride and joy of building something with my own efforts. This journey has given me a sense of identity and independence that I’ve never felt before.”
Aakriti has now become a role model. Once criticised by society, she quickly established herself in just 8 months after receiving training and starting vermicompost production. Her initiative has gained recognition from the local government, who have extended their support to help promote it further in her community.
Aakriti says, “I know my business will start to slow, as natural products have to compete with chemical fertilisers. It will take time to convince people to use it. But I am confident in selling my product as a natural, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option.”
Aakriti is now seeking opportunities to bring her products to the market. She is coordinating with the local government, agricultural departments, and companies to support her initiative. Additionally, she is exploring opportunities to showcase her products at events and festivals to reach more customers and raise awareness.
About the project
The Green Economy project, initiated by Plan International Nepal in partnership with Banke UNESCO Club, aims to empower young women like Aakriti by providing them with the skills and knowledge to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. The project focuses on promoting environmentally friendly businesses, such as vermicompost production, and supports women in starting their own ventures. Through training in life skills, micro-entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices, the project helps women become leaders in their communities, driving both economic and environmental change.
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