Anju Karki
25 years
Production Supervisor

The threshold of opportunity
Opportunities don’t come easily, especially not for Nepali housewife who are bound by responsibilities and social norms. Anju was one among them; a 22 year old vibrant and determined woman but with limited alternatives or possibilities. Having completed 10 years of basic schooling she was looking for a decent job before joining Watabaran in 2003. She got her first job in Watabaran as a trainee paper maker.

The next 3 months
Anju worked laboriously as a trainee paper maker for 3 months and was quick to grasp not only the skills of paper making but also the communication and organizing expertise. In 2004 Nov, she was promoted to senior paper maker and elected as one of the board members.

Learning process
Besides paper making Anju got basic computer trainings in Watabaran. She learned to handle official correspondence and speak fluently in English. Further, she was given marketing trainings and learning advanced computer education at present. She was polishing her skills and preparing herself for the future responsibility that was inevitable.

The milestone
The year 2006 was significant for Anju. In – 2006……. she was appointed the production supervisor in Watabaran. Today, she is responsible for training new staff, coordinating the staff and managing the entire production department of 15 employees.

Right from her heart!
Anju recalls her first day in Watabaran and finds herself as a completely changed woman after 3 years in the company. She feels secure and satisfied with her work and is happy that she doesn’t have to spend time aimlessly like other women of her village. She smiles confidently and says “I can work and live independently anywhere in the world.” When asked about her future plans she laughs heartily first and says, “I want to continue in Watabaran and build the company bigger and profitable and also motivate the new staff.” She proudly adds that she contributes 50% to her family expenses and pays for her daughter’s education. She feels liberated to be able to spend on her own priority instead of depending upon her husband’s income unlike other housewives. She says she doesn’t have high dream but wants to avail good education to her daughter and make her a successful nurse.