Maya’s journey from labor to role model
Kamaiyas (previously bonded men and boys as agriculture laborers) and Kamlaris (women and girls) existed in Western Terai region of Nepal from the historically marginalised Tharu ethnic groups. This ethnic tribe without land, works on landowner land as slaves to sustain a minimum livelihood. The Government of Nepal has officially abolished the bonded labour and caste systems, yet these groups continue to struggle to make a decent livelihood.
Maya Chaudhary, 26 was born in the Kailali district in a bonded labor family. When she was just 12 her father, sole breadwinner of the family passed away because of encephalitis. Things started to become challenging for her mother as she needed to take care of four children on her own and their income was seldom enough to feed the family for a month. Maya being the eldest was sent to work in an elite home where she was responsible for taking care of children and doing household chores.
When her father was ill no one was there to take care of him. When her mother asked for a loan for treatment, everyone denied as they thought they wouldn't be able to pay them back. In the end, Maya helplessly bids her father goodbye. At that time, she really wished to be a nurse and help others to treat and live a longer life. But being born in a bonded labor family the journey was not easy.
Maya was busy working in the elite's house. She used to wake up early in the morning, finish all the work and used to go to a government school nearby. After her return from school, she was occupied in taking care of the house. After everyone sleeps she used to study. She used to wear old clothes of the owner's daughters. The clothes were bigger than her size but used to tie in the waist with help of a rope to fit in.
Maya says, “One day I needed a pencil for school which cost two rupees (0.014 Euro). I asked my owner but he asked me to do a big pile of dishes then only they will give me money. I was determined to buy a pencil and I washed all the dishes but the owner only gave me one rupee which was insufficient to buy a pencil. I was heartbroken and felt sorry for myself for the first time. I went to bed crying.”
Maya faced a lot of hardship in life but when she was 18 years, the Free Bonded Labor Development Forum rescued her and provided a NRP 5,000 (35 Euro ) monthly scholarship to continue her education. Her dreams were turning to reality and she studied health technician for further studies. She was reunited with her mother and brothers after six years.
Once her education was complete she applied for a job in the hospital and got selected. She vividly remembers the first paycheck that made her feel worthy and empowered. Later with all her hard work and dedication she was able to build an identity for herself. It was very unusual for bonded labor daughters to get married to the landowner's but she was married without any dowry. Her in-laws are delighted that she is working and becoming independent.
Maya is currently working in SAHAS Nepal as a health technician in Kailali district. Her story of pain, hard work, dedication, and success brought light in the lives of many people. She believes with hardwork, dedication and education everything is possible. She continues to work with her community people and make them aware of health and nutrition and aspires as a role model for social change and transformation.
