From Struggle to Strength: The Story of the Musahar Community in Punarbas, Nawalparasi
The Musahar community, often known as “the rat eaters” in old stereotypes, is one of Nepal’s most marginalized Dalit groups, living in extreme poverty and social exclusion. In Punarbas village of Nawalparasi, families have long struggled with poor housing, unemployment, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare.
Transformation Nepal began its journey with the Musahar community to restore hope, empower women, and help families break free from generations of poverty.
1.Relief Distribution (2080 B.S. / 2023 A.D.)
When our team first arrived, families lacked food, clothing, and medicine. We responded immediately with emergency relief, providing:
- Nutritional food packages
- Warm clothes
- Basic medicines
This first phase met urgent needs and helped us build trust with the community.
2.Awareness & Women Empowerment
In the same year, we conducted awareness campaigns on:
- Women’s rights and child education
- Socio-economic awareness and family health
To strengthen local leadership, we helped form the “Soul Independent Mother’s Group,” empowering women to plan and lead community activities. Today, these women guide village decisions and inspire others to dream bigger.
3.Sewing Project (2080 B.S. / 2023 A.D.)
Real empowerment begins with economic independence. To give women a sustainable income, our NGO launched a Sewing Project providing:
- Sewing machines,
- Training, and
- Starter materials for tailoring.
Now, graduates of the program run home tailoring businesses, earning steady income and supporting school expenses for their children.
4. Combating Alcohol Addiction
Through workshops and personal counseling, we addressed alcohol dependency, one of the root causes of poverty and family conflict. The sessions encouraged savings, health awareness, and mutual respect, helping families rebuild unity and stability. The women’s group implemented strict rules against alcohol consumption.
5. Roof Project (2081 B.S. / 2024 A.D.)
Seeing families living under unsafe grass and bamboo roofs, we initiated the Roof Project. We financially supported 53 families to replace unsafe grass-and-wood roofs with durable ones. These stronger homes now provide safety from rain, storms, and heat, giving families comfort and security for the first time.
6. Street Light Project
To bring light to every corner of Punarbas, we installed streetlights throughout the village which provided them safety and protected them against various types of unwanted activities like robbery. Now, nights are brighter and safer, children study after dark, and the entire community walks freely under a new light of hope.
7. Duck Project
In the latest initiative, we introduced the Duck Project, distributing 1,000+ ducklings with feed and medicines to the same 53 families. Today, duck farming is providing them with steady income and better nutrition, while also supporting the women’s cooperation formed earlier.
Transformation at a Glance
Initiative Year Impact
| Initiative | Year | Impact |
| Relief Distribution | 2023 A.D. | Met immediate food & health needs |
| Awareness Campaigns | 2023 A.D. | Increased education & women’s participation |
| Sewing Project | 2023 A.D. | Dozens of women earning independently |
| Roof Project | 2024 A.D | 53 safe, weather-proof homes |
| Street Light Project | 2024 A.D. | Full-village lighting & night safety |
| Duck Project | 2025 A.D. | New sustainable income for 53 families |
Impact Summary
- Women Empowered: Through training and self-help groups
- Income Generation: Tailoring and duck farming
- Improved Living Conditions: Safe roofs and streetlights
- Community Transformation: From dependence to independence
Want to be Part of the Next Chapter?
Many Musahar families in rural Nepal still need your help for:
- Education support for children
- Safe Home projects
- Expansion of women-led enterprises
- Health post and medical services and many more
Your contribution creates lasting change.