"This is the first construction made by the women of this VDC ever. Through facing many difficulties, we succeeded the FFS construction. This indicates that the women of Marming are empowering." Says Pasang Buti Tamang, chairperson of the Female Friendly Space Management Committee, Marming.
Marming VDC is one of the remotest VDCs of Sindhupalchok. The economy of this depends on agriculture. But it is substantive only as the land is low fertile. Before the earthquake, some community people engaged in small trade in Nepal and China Boarder but it has been closed after the boarder sealed. In addition, foreign employment is one of the major income sources of this community.
The majority of the people of this VDC is ethnic group. Women are the main the main workers for household activities and agriculture. Alcohol is the cultural practice. In many cases, it has become one of the major causes behind the gender-based violence.
The situation of the community after the earthquake was terrible. It was difficult for them to overcome the trauma of the destruction, loss of the family and property. Pasang says" Along with the loss, the community people have gone thought the multiple physical and psychosocial problem after the earthquake. We lost our conscious, suffered from back pain and headache.. And most importantly, we did not have any safe place to exchange our trauma. "
The women of Marming became happy when they knew that Gramin Mahila Srijanshil Pariwar is going to construct the FFS for them. All women of Marning decided to contribute for this construction. The committee decided Pasang as the chairperson of FFS.
Chhebi Tamang says 'it is the first construction in this area, initiated and completed by the women. No male engaged. " But the construction process was difficult. First of all, they decided to construct the land in front of VDC office. The land was sloppy. After the completion of the foundation, there was dispute on land ownership. They requested VDC officials to support for this and managed this issue.
FFS now is well equipped with TV, speaker, furniture, stationary and other materials FFS at present has become a place for women to gather, conduct meetings and exchange their feelings. It has become the place to conduct psychosocial counseling also. Chhegu Sherpa in this regard adds." Now we are happy to own the FFS where we can gather when we want. It is one of the safe places to share our feelings and emotions without hesitation and involve in recreational activities.
FFS of Marming has become a symbol of unity and happiness. Beside the entertaining activities, women have begun to learn read and write by the FFS facilitator. They discuss the current issues of the community, and take decisions. It has helped them to unite and empower.