Krishna breaks barriers as Dailekh’s first licensed female auto driver
Krishna, a 24-year-old young woman from Narayan Municipality in Dailekh, lives with her parents, two sisters, and a younger brother. Raised in a modest household with a thatched-roof home and a toilet built from mud and stones, Krishna's early years were filled with hardship.
Her family owns a small plot of land that provides food for only two months of the year. For the remaining 10 months, they rely on market purchases for essentials like rice, vegetables, and oil. Growing up, Krishna and her siblings wore worn-out clothes and lacked even the most basic school supplies. Her father worked tirelessly as a laborer, while her mother cared for the family at home.
Due to financial strain, Krishna’s elder sister was forced into child marriage, which unfortunately ended in separation. Her younger sister also experienced the same fate. These challenges left the family struggling to stay afloat.
After Krishna failed her Secondary Education Examination (Class 10), she couldn’t return to school because her family couldn’t afford the cost. She felt lost and uncertain about her future. It was during this difficult time that she learned about the POWER4AY Project, run by local partner Everest Club. The ward office was selecting out-of-school youth from low-income families, and Krishna applied. Her selection brought a glimmer of hope.
Through the project, Krishna received Life Skills training and Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training. These sessions were not just educational; they were life changing. The life skills training empowered her to make better decisions, manage emotions, and think creatively. The SIYB training helped her explore business ideas and create a solid plan. But the real breakthrough came when Krishna was trained to drive an auto-rickshaw.
With NPR 1 lakh (600 euro) in support from Everest Club and another NPR 2 lakh (1,200 Euro) loan from a local credit and savings cooperative (a process facilitated by Everest Club), Krishna was able to buy her own auto-rickshaw in loan. Initially, the cooperative offered only NPR. 50,000 (300 Euro), but thanks to the project’s intervention, she secured the full loan. Throughout her journey, the POWER4AY team offered consistent support, guidance, and encouragement.
Krishna became the first female auto-rickshaw driver in Dailekh district to hold an official driving license. She now earns approximately NPR. 40,000 (240 Euro) per month, which allows her to support her family and fund her younger brother’s education.
Her impact didn’t stop there. Krishna taught her elder sister how to drive, and together they rented another auto-rickshaw. Her sister now earns around NPR. 20,000 (120 Euro) monthly. Though three women are now driving auto-rickshaws in Dailekh, Krishna remains the only one with a valid license.
Today, she proudly serves as the Secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Association in the district. Her plans for the future include continuing to support her family, building savings, and preparing for a secure and independent life ahead.
Krishna expressed her happiness saying; "thanks to the support from the POWER4AY project, I didn’t just survive, I found the strength to grow, lead, and dream again. With new skills and confidence, I’m now shaping a better future not just for myself, but for others in my community too."
