Diya was born in Sylan District in Western Nepal, the youngest of 7 siblings. She lost her right hand in an accident at the mill where she had gone to grind corn.
The loss of her hand left Diya depressed and pessimistic about her future: she thought everything was lost, and her family members were also very worried for her. Gradually, though, she recovered and continue her studies, and after completing grade 12 in 2019, Diya joined the Disabled Welfare Association’s Sewing and Cutting Training programme in Dhading District.
She recently married, and works at home in Thakre Rural Municipality, making clothes for local people. Diya would like to buy cloth, expand her customer base and become financially independent.
Diya was recently appointed Chairperson of a self-help group established by DWA through the USAID Inclusive Livelihoods–Central activity. Until she came into contact with DWA, she had not heard of disability rights, but now she hopes to become actively involved in the disability movement.
In her rural community, people still do not believe in the capacity of disabled people, who often face isolation, stigma and disrespectful language. Diya aims to be “a good example of a strong woman – both financially and socially – in the community.”
