Ninety self-help groups have been established by INF Nepal’s Inclusive Development, Empowerment and Livelihood (IDEAL) project in Bajura, to enable cohesive, community-led action which is sustainable for the future.

To improve the inclusion and participation of women in community life, 85% of the IDEAL project self-help group facilitators are female.

The Milan self-help group is one of six groups established in Bandhu, a village in Himali rural municipality. The village had been beset by conflict and division, resulting in a lack of pride in their community which was illustrated by poor sanitation.

This self-help group is made up of 20 women, including lower-caste Dalits and six people with disabilities. In this group the community identified major issues – including sanitation and cleanliness – and has made 17 action plans to address them, 15 of which have been implemented.

The Milan self-help group created a pit in each household for waste disposal, and every house now has a sink for cleaning dishes. They have also made sanitary pads, as well as floor cushions to be used in the meetings. The group has also initiated commercial farming of high value crops, established a kitchen garden for vegetable farming, and planted trees.

As pride in the community has risen, the sanitation of households and cleanliness of their surroundings has improved thanks to proper cleaning and waste facilities, and people are more motivated to keep their homes and community clean.