From two sheep to independence
In Jumla, Shivalaxmi is building her future through sheep farming, gaining independence, and delaying marriage through skills training and her determination.
“I never thought I would become an entrepreneur,” says 21-year-old Shivalaxmi from Jumla, smiling as she watches her sheep graze on the hillside. “In my community, girls usually marry before they turn 20. That’s just how things are.”
In Jumla, child marriage is still common, especially among marginalised families who struggle to afford education. Most girls drop out of school early and marry young, with little say in their own future. “There was no escape for girls like us,” says Shivalaxmi. “Our parents arranged our marriage, and we couldn’t say no.”
A training that changed her life
Everything began to change when she heard about an entrepreneurship training being organised near her home. “The best part was, I didn’t have to travel far or spend any money,” she recalls. “If this training hadn’t come to my village, I might have been married by now.”
“If this training hadn’t come to my village, I might have been married by now.”
Shivalaxmi
Before the training, Shivalaxmi had no idea about business or how to earn for herself. Her family owned just 2 sheep, and life revolved around farming and household work. But during the training, she discovered her potential. “I learned how to start a small business, how to plan, and how to communicate,” she says. “The communication skill sessions helped me speak with my parents. I learned to say no to marriage until I can stand on my own.”
She decided to turn her family’s small livestock into a proper business. With the project’s support, she received 2 more sheep and a ram to expand her farm. “It was a small start,” she says, “but it gave me hope.”
Her father proudly adds, “We are farmers, so I was very happy when she chose sheep farming. I can support her in this, and we enjoy working together. She even teaches me new techniques she learned from the training.”
Building a future before marriage
Today, Shivalaxmi’s flock has grown to 35 sheep. The income she earns covers her education and helps support her family. “Before, I always had to ask my parents for money,” she says. “Now I can pay my own college fees. It feels good to earn on my own.”
The journey has not been easy. Many people in her village still question her choice to delay marriage. “My parents face pressure because I’m not married yet,” she says softly. “But they support me, and that gives me strength. When I look at the sheep, I sometimes think about how free they are. They don’t face the same pressure that girls in my community do.”
For Shivalaxmi, freedom now means independence, learning, and confidence. “I want to become a successful businesswoman before I get married,” she says firmly. “I want to prove that girls like me can earn and lead a good life.”
With determination and her father’s encouragement, Shivalaxmi continues to grow her business and inspire other girls in her community. “If girls are given the chance,” she says, “we can do anything. We just need one opportunity to change our story.”
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