Meet Maya*, a remarkable woman from Sunchhahari Rural Municipality, ward no. 4, Syuri, in the Rolpa district of Nepal. Maya lost sight in one eye at the tender age of two. Growing up, she faced countless challenges, including discrimination and limited opportunities. Being confined to household chores like cooking and cleaning on a traditional open-fire stove only worsened her chronic headaches, requiring regular medication to alleviate the pain.

But despite all these obstacles, Maya never lost hope. Her determination to overcome the odds was noticed by INF Rolpa, which formed a disability network in her village. The network included Maya as a member, and during one of the group’s meetings, they discussed the impact of climate change on their community. The group devised an action plan to reduce the effects of climate change by using improved cooking stoves, and INF Nepal offered support by providing them with these stoves.

Maya and her family also contributed to the cause, and the results were truly incredible. The new stove reduced the amount of firewood needed and eliminated the chronic headaches Maya had been experiencing for years. The improved stove transformed her life, and she was forever grateful for the support of INF Nepal.

Maya’s story is just one of many demonstrating the incredible impact that INF Nepal can have on the lives of marginalised communities in rural Nepal. Thanks to our staff’s dedication and our partners’ generosity, countless people like Maya are given a chance to overcome their struggles and achieve their dreams. We can all learn from Maya’s resilience and never give up hope, even in the face of adversity.

* Name changed to protect the identity