Twelve years ago, Bishnu Kumari Rai of Piple, Hetauda-5, was largely occupied with household chores. Today, she is a successful woodcraft entrepreneur and trainer whose skills and experience are sought by organisations and local governments.

Her transformation has also changed the way society views her. Once regarded simply as a housewife, she is now recognised for her expertise in woodcraft, entrepreneurship, and skills training.

Unlike a conventional workplace with computers, files, and neatly arranged desks, Bishnu Kumari's office is a workshop filled with wooden planks, timber splinters and sawdust. After completing her household chores in the morning, she spends her day transforming pieces of wood into intricately crafted products.

She works from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, producing decorative and functional wooden items with dedication and precision.

At a time when thousands of young Nepalis leave the country in search of employment abroad, Bishnu Kumari's journey demonstrates the potential of skills-based entrepreneurship at home. Despite the physical demands of the work, her enthusiasm remains undiminished.

“I eagerly wait for the night to pass so that I can return to work the next day,” she said with a smile.

Before entering the woodcraft business, Bishnu Kumari's daily life revolved around household responsibilities, including tending livestock and collecting firewood and fodder from the Piplepokhara Community Forest.

Her life began to change when the community forest introduced the concept of green employment and forest-based enterprises. The initiative encouraged her to envision a future in which she could use local resources, acquire new skills, and earn an income.

Initially, however, her decision was met with scepticism. Many in the community found it difficult to imagine a woman working in a field traditionally dominated by men.

A woodcraft training programme aimed at promoting women's entrepreneurship proved to be the turning point in her life. The training not only equipped her with technical skills but also gave her the confidence and motivation to turn woodcraft into a profession.

Today, she leads the **Working Women Wooden Handicraft Micro-Enterprise**, where women work collectively to produce a wide range of wooden products while earning a sustainable income.

“We work as a group. One person's skills complement those of another, and together they become our strength,” Bishnu Kumari said. “Collective effort has helped us increase both production and income.”

The group produces dozens of items, including door frames, photo frames, bell frames, souvenirs, decorative products, and artistic designs used in furniture. The women also make productive use of various types of wood that would otherwise go to waste in the forest.

Bishnu Kumari received her initial training from Ashmita Nepal with support from APFNet. The initiative helped develop entrepreneurship skills and build confidence among women, while also providing essential tools and opportunities to expand their businesses.

At 43, Bishnu Kumari remains eager to learn and grow. Her dedication and consistency have earned her invitations from various organisations and local governments to provide woodcraft training.

She said she is particularly pleased to share her skills and knowledge with other women, helping them pursue economic independence through entrepreneurship.

More recently, Green Foundation Nepal has supported her in expanding market access by facilitating her participation in national and international exhibitions.

“In the beginning, many people mocked me. They believed woodwork was not suitable for women, and even my own family did not trust that I could succeed,” she recalled. “Now, the situation has completely changed. People appreciate and praise my work.”

Her experience, she says, has taught her that success requires determination, consistency, and opportunity.

Wooden products made by her group are now sold in Kathmandu and other cities across the country through Koseli Ghar and various organisations.

The Piplepokhara Community Forest remains a vital foundation of the enterprise, providing a sustainable source of raw materials and supporting the group's continued growth.

From a homemaker once confined to household chores to an entrepreneur, craftswoman and trainer, Bishnu Kumari's journey illustrates how skills, opportunity and determination can transform not only an individual's life but also perceptions of women's roles in society.