Sanu Shrestha, a 44-year-old resident of Ramechhap 9, Lyanglyang, became a widow in Jestha 2071, leaving her to support her son on her own. To make ends meet, she worked as a house helper from 7 am to 10 am, earning 5,000 rupees per month, supplemented by occasional work such as washing clothes, cleaning, and farm labor. Unaware of the Nepal Government’s single woman allowance initially, Sanu started receiving it in Sharwan 2073. However, from Ashad 2080, her payments stopped, causing financial strain, especially for her son’s education.
In Kartik 2080, after learning that other single women continued to receive their allowances, Sanu visited the Ward Secretary of Ramechhap 9, who assured her that the issue would be resolved by the end of Kartik. When the payments did not resume by Poush 2080, she approached Women for Human Rights (WHR) for help. WHR coordinated with the Ward head, who promised to investigate and expedite the payments. Following persistent follow-ups, Sanu received her overdue allowance for Sharwan, Bhadra, and Ashoj on 9 Marg 2080, and for Kartik, Mangsir, and Poush on 2 Fagun 2080.
Sanu was relieved and grateful to WHR for their support, which helped her secure the financial assistance crucial for her household and her son’s education.