Sita Pun
Turning Homes into Havens: Sita’s Journey from Determination to Success
For the past six years, Sita Pun, aged 42, has been operating a homestay in Ward 2 of Galkot Municipality, Baglung, welcoming guests. Her homestay is one of 12 in a village of 65 households, offering authentic Magar hospitality amid splendid scenery. Sita welcomes guests with traditional attire and serves them local delicacies such as kodoko sel, makai, and gundruk. The meals are prepared over firewood, including organically grown vegetables, local rice or dhido, dal, and chicken curry.
Sita's journey began when she married at 20 and her husband left for Malaysia. Communication was scarce, and she faced financial hardships. After suffering a miscarriage and managing the household alone, she eagerly seized the opportunity to start a homestay when Galkot Municipality introduced the idea. Despite her husband's initial opposition, she joined a study tour to learn about homestays, marking the beginning of her transformation.
Sita faced numerous challenges early on, particularly in balancing household responsibilities with her budding homestay business while her husband was abroad. Managing the household alone was demanding, especially after her husband moved to Malaysia for work. Financial constraints were a significant hurdle, as she struggled to make ends meet with the limited remittances her husband sent, which mostly went to her in-laws. Despite these difficulties, Sita persevered. She took on additional responsibilities, such as tending to her organic vegetable garden, milking buffaloes, and making curd and homemade liquor for her guests. Her determination and resilience enabled her to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable business.
Daayitwa's Women Rural Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (WREAP) played a significant role in transforming Sita Pun's life. Through WREAP, she participated in crucial training sessions that equipped her with the skills necessary to develop and manage her homestay business. These sessions covered various aspects of hospitality management, financial planning, and marketing, all of which were instrumental in her business's success. Additionally, WREAP provided her with valuable networking opportunities, connecting her with other entrepreneurs and potential business partners. This network of support and shared knowledge was crucial in helping her establish and grow her homestay.
Daayitwa's Women Rural Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (WREAP) is an initiative designed to empower rural women by providing them with the necessary skills, training, and networking opportunities to grow their established businesses. WREAP focuses on key areas such as hospitality management, financial planning, and marketing, helping participants like Sita Pun gain confidence and achieve financial independence. The program also facilitates connections with other entrepreneurs and potential business partners, creating a supportive community that fosters shared knowledge and collaboration.
Sita's journey was fraught with challenges. Early on, she faced the difficulty of managing household and business responsibilities single-handedly while her husband was abroad. Financial constraints were another significant challenge, as she struggled to make ends meet with the limited funds her husband sent home. Despite these hurdles, Sita took on additional responsibilities like tending to her organic vegetable garden, milking buffaloes, and producing homemade liquor, all of which contributed to the homestay's offerings. Her determination and resilience enabled her to overcome these challenges and establish a sustainable business.
Reflecting on her struggles, Sita says, "There were days when I didn't know how we would get by. But I was determined to make it work for my family."
Sita has developed a clear strategy for the long-term sustainability of her homestay business. She plans to expand her operations by diversifying the services offered and attracting new markets. Sita is exploring ways to enhance the guest experience, such as incorporating more cultural activities and eco-tourism initiatives. Additionally, she is mindful of potential challenges, such as market fluctuations and economic downturns, and is developing contingency plans to mitigate these risks. Her goal is to maintain steady growth while preserving the unique cultural heritage of her community.
Before starting her homestay business, Sita had no stable source of income and was entirely dependent on the limited remittances her husband sent from Malaysia, which were often insufficient to meet her family's needs. Today, through her homestay, Sita earns an average of Rs 55,000 per month. The collective effort of the 12 homestay operators in her village generates up to Rs 150,000 per month, which is distributed equally among the members. This entrepreneurial venture has not only improved her financial situation but also provided employment opportunities for others in the community.
"The financial independence I've gained has changed my life," Sita shares. "I no longer have to rely on anyone else for support."
Beyond her current success, Sita has ambitious goals for the future. She aspires to empower more women in her community to become entrepreneurs. Sita plans to mentor and support other women in starting their businesses, sharing her knowledge and experiences to help them achieve financial independence. She is also involved in community development initiatives aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship. Sita's vision is to create a network of empowered women who can contribute to the economic and social development of their community, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
"I want all the women in my community to be self-reliant and confident," Sita says. "Together, we can achieve so much more."
Sita's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support. Her journey from financial struggle to entrepreneurial success highlights the transformative impact of programs like WREAP and the importance of empowering women in rural areas.